The Best Banana Bread Recipe (easy, no mixer)
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If you’re looking for the best banana bread recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This is a recipe I’ve been making for years that I’m finally sharing with the world, and it makes perfect banana bread every time. This easy, no mixer recipe is one that everyone will ask for over and over again.
Here are the ingredients you need to make banana bread
I love making banana bread. It’s quick and easy and you can throw pretty much whatever you want in it. Here are the ingredients typically needed to make it.
Ripe bananas: Ripe bananas that are soft and have brown spots are ideal for banana bread as they provide sweetness and flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moistness to the bread.
Granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the bread and enhances the flavor of the bananas.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, providing structure and moisture to the bread.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the bread.
All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base ingredient and provides structure to the bread.
Baking soda: Baking soda helps the bread rise by producing carbon dioxide when mixed with acidic ingredients like bananas.
Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
How to make banana bread without a mixer
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius). Butter a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then fold in the mashed bananas and extracts until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients along with optional add-ins and mix just until combined. Do not overmix!
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes for a loaf pan or 20 minutes for muffins, until golden brown on top and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool completely before serving.
Here are some popular banana bread add-ins:
Chocolate chips: Adding chocolate chips to banana bread can make for a deliciously sweet treat. You can use milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can give your banana bread a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can be included to add warmth and depth to the flavor. You can sprinkle spices on top of the batter or mix it into the dry ingredients.
Nutella: Swirling Nutella into the batter can make your banana bread richer and more flavorful.
Blueberries: Adding blueberries to banana bread can create a delightful burst of tangy sweetness.
Cream cheese: Mixing cream cheese into your banana bread batter can give it a creamy texture and add a tangy flavor.
Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes can add texture and a tropical flavor to banana bread.
Remember, ripe bananas are key, and you can get creative with add-ins. This is a banana bread recipe that I have perfected over the years, and I hope you enjoy it!
The Best Banana Bread Recipe (easy, no mixer)
Banana bread is a classic, delicious way to use up overripe bananas. You can make it in a loaf pan, or as muffins. It's easy to make and no mixer required!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Other Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
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Generously grease an 8 ½ by 4 ½ loaf pan with butter, and dust with sugar (if using) or flour.
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Combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger powder, and cloves together in a small mixing bowl.
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Whisk to combine, and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until blended and creamy.
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Add 1 egg and the extract and mix until combined.
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Fold in the mashed bananas and mix until combined.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently. Do not overmix!
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Fold in your preferred add-ins by hand and mix just until combined - you don't want to end up with tough banana bread.
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Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes for a loaf pan or 20 minutes for muffins, until golden brown on top and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
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Cool completely before serving.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Making Banana Bread
Overripe bananas with large brown spots are best for banana bread as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Look for bananas that are fully yellow with multipple dark patches for optimal flavor.
Absolutely! Frozen bananas can be used to make banana bread. Thaw them completely before using and drain any excess liquid that may accumulate during the thawing process.
It's best to use unsalted butter. This allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe and prevents the bread from becoming too salty.
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil for butter. I have succesfully substituted coconut for butter in this recipe. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different, but the bread will still be delicious.
Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense bread and potential sinking. Additionally, ensure your baking soda is fresh and active, as this helps with proper rising. Lastly, try not to open your oven door while baking to keep the oven temperature consistent.
Absolutely, chopped walnuts are my favorite! Pecans and chocolate chips are popular additions that add flavor and texture to banana bread. Gently fold them into the batter just before pouring it into the baking pan
Bake banana bread at 325°F (175°C) for approximately 55-60 minutes. However, every oven is different, so it's important to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready.
Once completely cooled, wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature or warm it gently in the oven before enjoying.
You can make your banana bread healthier by substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, using less sugar, or adding nutrient-rich ingredients like flaxseed meal or oats. Experiment with different substitutions to find what works best for you
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