The Only Banana Bread Recipe You'll Ever Need
How have you been getting through these last few days and weeks? How are you doing through it all? During these unprecedented days of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, life seems distorted and altered somehow. It’s like looking into a mirror at a Funhouse - familiar, yet strangely unfamiliar. It is comforting to know that we are all going through this time together and I hope you can see the big picture ahead and realize WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS!
In the meantime, I wanted to share this banana bread recipe that I came across a few months ago. It is THE BEST recipe for banana bread I’ve ever had and I have been making it on repeat throughout the winter months. It’s so moist and full of flavor and is perfect with my cup of coffee each morning. In these trying times, I think it’s important that we elevate our days in the simplest ways and baking has been one way I tame my anxiety and make my day feel better while stuck at home. After I bake my loaf, I slice it into individual slices, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze them. The night before, I remove a slice from the freezer and place it by my coffee maker so the next morning, it is ready to enjoy. I truly hope you are taking care of yourself, focusing on the simple things and enjoying time with your family and loved ones. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. xx
The Best Banana Bread Recipe
Preheat oven to 350F degrees
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3-4 overripe bananas, mashed (I use 4 bananas)
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Optional, although this is how I always make my banana bread :-): 3/4 to 1 cup 63% cacao extra dark chocolate baking chips (I use Guittard brand)
Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl.
Add the eggs and mashed bananas. Combine well.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Add the vanilla. Add the chocolate chips if you are using those.
Mix just until combined and do not overmix.
Pour into a greased and floured loaf pan. I use a 10” x 5” x 3” loaf pan.
Bake at 350F degrees for 55 minutes.
This keeps well, refrigerated, or slice and freeze individual slices. Enjoy!
