There is something magical about the smell of cinnamon on a chilly winter morning.
This rich banana bread is the answer to those overripe bananas on your counter. It delivers a dense, moist slice that your whole family will love. You can have this in the oven in just fifteen minutes.
Why This Rich Banana Bread Is a Winner
This recipe is perfect for lazy weekend mornings when you want something special. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of melted butter and brown sugar creates a deep, caramel-like flavor.
You will love how beginner-friendly this method is for any home cook. It is a reliable crowd-pleaser that works for school lunches or afternoon snacks. This bread stays moist for days, making it a great budget-friendly treat.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this bread is as easy as mashing and stirring. You do not need a fancy stand mixer for this one-bowl recipe. Even if you are new to baking, you can achieve a perfect loaf. Just follow the simple order of mixing wet then dry ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a bakery-quality loaf at home.
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth and stir in the melted butter.
- Add the baking soda, salt, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.
- Gently fold in the flour and ground cinnamon until no dry streaks remain, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve a thick slice warm with a generous smear of salted butter. It pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a special touch, toast a slice and drizzle it with honey. This is the ultimate comfort food for a quiet afternoon.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep your bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. It stays moist at room temperature for up to three days. You can also store it in the fridge for a full week. For easy meal prep, freeze individual slices in freezer bags. Simply toast a frozen slice for a quick, warm breakfast.
Tips for Best Results
- Use bananas with plenty of black spots for the best natural sweetness.
- Don’t skip the step of greasing your pan to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overmixing the flour to keep the texture tender and light.
- Check the bread at 50 minutes to ensure it does not overbake.
- For a winter twist, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to get clean pieces.
- Double the recipe and freeze a loaf for a busy week ahead.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Fold in a half cup of chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
- Add crushed walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
- Swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- In the summer, serve a slice topped with fresh berries and cream.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas for this recipe. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They will make the bread extra moist and delicious.
How do I know when it is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
I hope this cozy recipe brings a little extra warmth to your home. It is a simple joy that makes any morning feel a bit more special. Happy baking!
— Lidia
Ingredients
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg , beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 1 1/2 cups all -purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth and stir in the melted butter.
- Add the baking soda, salt, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.
- Gently fold in the flour and ground cinnamon until no dry streaks remain, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
