Do you like baking? Do you like bananas? If so, did you know that February 23rd is National Banana Bread Day? As a baker myself, whose specialty is banana bread, I will share with you the recipe I use to make my famous banana bread! This simple recipe doesn’t require a beater, just a whisk and a fork!
- First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4 x 8-inch loaf pan. I use coconut oil to grease the pan because I’ve noticed it helps keep the bread moist.
- Next, take three ripe bananas, remove the peel, and mash them up in a mixing bowl with a fork. I typically freeze my bananas and make sure they are completely brown before I use them.
- Once the bananas are thoroughly mashed, stir in 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter. Make sure that the butter is completely melted as any chunks of butter change the texture of the bread in the end!
- After the butter is mixed in, add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt, mixing them in completely.
- Time for the sweet stuff! Add ¾ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mixture next. Don’t forget to add one large beaten egg during this step as well!
- The last step is the most difficult. Gradually add in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. I completely mix in the flour a quarter cup (1/4) at a time.
- At this time, you can add in any additives of your choice. I typically add in chocolate chips, but you can add in foods like nuts and raisins as well!
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to bake! Pour the batter into your loaf pan and place it in the oven. The bread takes about 50-60 minutes to bake. When your timer goes off, stick a toothpick into the center of the loaf to see if it is done. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is done! If there is still some batter on the toothpick, add five more minutes. After your bread is done in the oven, remove it and let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes. Then remove and let cool completely before serving! The bread can be kept at room temperature for up to four days.
I hope you and your friends enjoy this quick and easy recipe to celebrate National Banana Bread Day!