Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (from about half a lemon)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
2. Prepare the Bananas:
Peel the ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl. Add the lemon juice to the mashed bananas and mix well. The lemon juice helps prevent the bananas from browning.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps remove lumps and aerates the dry ingredients.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the large eggs and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; just make sure there are no visible streaks of dry ingredients.
7. Add Banana Mixture:
Gently fold the mashed banana mixture into the batter until it’s well incorporated.
8. Add Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream):
Stir in the plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until the batter is smooth.
9. Optional Add-Ins:
If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this point.
10. Transfer to Loaf Pan:
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
11. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking around 50 minutes and adjust accordingly.
12. Cool and Serve:
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Slice and Enjoy:
Once it’s fully cooled, slice the banana bread and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
This homemade banana bread is moist, flavorful, and a great way to use up ripe bananas. Enjoy!