Classic Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter
softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe banana
about 3 bananas
- ⅓ cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°.
- 2
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.
- 3
Place sugar and butter in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, yogurt, and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist. Spoon batter into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
- 4
Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.
- 5
Kid-Friendly Upgrades:
- 6
Upgrade 1: Marble it. Stir 1 cup batter and 1/2 cup melted semisweet chocolate chips together in a small bowl. Spoon plain batter into pan, alternating with dollops of chocolate-chip batter. Drag a knife through batter to swirl. Bake as directed.
- 7
Upgrade 2: Berry it. Fold 1 cup fresh blueberries into batter. Bake as directed.
- 8
Upgrade 3: French-toast it. Cut bread into 3/4-inch slices. Toast until slightly crisp on both sides. Whisk together 2 eggs, 2 Tbsp. milk, ground cinnamon and nutmeg to taste as well as a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl. Dip bread in mixture, let excess drip off, then fry, turning once, in a nonstick skillet lightly coated with vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- 9
Upgrade 4: Chocolate-chip it. Fold 1 cup dark chocolate chips into batter. Bake as directed.
- 10
Upgrade 5: Streusel it. Combine 2 Tbsp. rolled oats, 2 Tbsp. flour, 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. butter, melted, and 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg in a medium bowl. Divide batter among 12 paper-lined muffin cups. Top with streusel. Bake at 350°F until done, about 25 minutes.
Classic Banana Bread
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Simply-Recipes-Chocolate-Banana-Bread-LEAD-20-ba3188cee1d04e099962af7f78deaaa9.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving that comforting, moist slice of banana bread without the guilt? This Classic Banana Bread recipe delivers all the indulgent flavor you love, but with a clever twist that makes it a healthier choice for your morning coffee or afternoon snack.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by swapping some of the traditional butter for plain low-fat yogurt, resulting in an exceptionally moist loaf that’s just as rich and satisfying. You'll notice a distinct crack forming down the center as it bakes—this is actually a fantastic sign that the baking soda is working its magic, ensuring a perfectly risen and tender crumb every time.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly classic banana bread experience: wonderfully sweet, incredibly moist, and bursting with the familiar aroma of ripe bananas and vanilla. The yogurt contributes to an unbelievably tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. This isn't just a basic recipe; it's a foundation that invites your creativity, promising a delightful treat with minimal effort.
Customization & Variations
This banana bread is incredibly adaptable. You can easily fold in mixed nuts for added crunch and flavor. For a fun twist kids will adore, consider adding a crunchy streusel topping before baking. Want to switch things up? Chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon would also be delicious additions.
Serving & Context
Serve slices of this homemade banana bread toasted for an even deeper flavor. It’s absolutely delightful with a smear of cream cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a spread of peanut butter. Don't forget to top with extra mixed nuts if you like, making it perfect for a cozy breakfast, a comforting snack, or a thoughtful gift.