TIP: For more customizable flavor, add 1/4 cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit in step 2. To make this a pumpkin bread recipe, substitute 3/4 cup canned pumpkin for banana.

TIP : If using boxed quick breads or muffin mixes, use the ingredients listed on the box while following this recipe’s directions for time, temperature, and pan.

Simple Banana Bread Recipe

Banana bread is a delicious and comforting treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether it’s for breakfast in the morning, a snack in the afternoon or dessert after dinner, this sweet, moist loaf cake is always a hit. 

The great thing about banana bread is that it’s extremely versatile. You can make simple loaves with just a few basic ingredients or you can dress them up for a more unique flavor. The smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen is irresistible. 

Tips For Homemade Banana Bread

When it comes to baking banana bread at home, here are a few important tips to keep in mind.

Tip 1

Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour. If you do, the bread will turn out dense and heavy instead of light and fluffy.

Tip 2

Use really ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor — the darker their skin the better. 

Tip 3

For more customizable flavor, add ¼ cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut or dried fruit in Step 2. You can make savory versions by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. The possibilities are endless. 

Best Ways To Eat Banana Bread

Banana bread is a versatile food that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you are looking to serve it as a dessert or as part of your morning coffee routine, you’ll find plenty of yummy possibilities. 

Alongside Coffee Or Tea

Banana bread pairs great with coffee or tea in the morning. To prepare it, thinly slice the banana bread, and toast it until golden brown. Spread butter on top and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar for a tasty treat to go with your beverage. 

Dessert

If you’re serving banana bread as dessert, try slicing it into thick pieces and topping it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Warm banana bread and cold ice cream are truly divine. For added flavor, you can also drizzle melted caramel over the top for extra sweetness. If you want something lighter, try spreading peanut butter on top instead.

Breakfast Or Brunch

Banana bread is perfect on its own. But you can also turn it into the most amazing air-fried French toast you’ve ever tasted. Dip sliced banana bread in beaten eggs and fry in a pan before serving with syrup or powdered sugar on top. 

What To Serve With Banana Bread

Banana bread is great on its own, but it also pairs well with a bunch of different side dishes to create a complete and delicious meal.

Yogurt

Banana bread and yogurt pair surprisingly well. The tart flavor and creamy texture of the yogurt deliver a tasty contrast to the sweetness of the banana bread. Because yogurt contains healthy probiotics that can aid digestion, you’re creating a nutritious and balanced meal.  

Chocolate

Try adding some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent boost of goodness. Add them to the banana bread mixture to bake them in the bread or top with chocolate while the bread is warm.

Ricotta

Banana bread with ricotta can be a delicious and decadent treat. The combination of flavors is surprisingly versatile, making it a great option for breakfast, dessert or snack. The banana bread itself is naturally sweet, while the ricotta adds an additional layer of creaminess and tangy flavor. It’s also relatively simple to make and can come together in under an hour.

Before pouring the banana bread mixture into your loaf pan, fold ¾ cup ricotta cheese into the batter until evenly distributed throughout and bake. 

Fresh Berries

If you’re looking for something sweet and fruity, try pairing your banana bread with berries like strawberries or blueberries. This will add a refreshing bite of acidity that works perfectly with the flavors in the banana bread.

Brie And Jam

If you’re feeling adventurous and want something unique, consider topping your banana bread with brie cheese and jam or preserves. The sweet-tart combination will be both savory and sweet at once — perfect for breakfast or brunch!

Homemade Simple Banana Bread Recipe

Made with ripe, mashed bananas and aromatic spices like cinnamon, banana bread is one of those recipes that has been passed down from generation to generation. With the Ninja® Foodi® 14-in-1 8-quart XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid™  baking the perfect loaf of banana bread is a breeze.

FAQ:

Q: What’s the best way to store banana bread?

A: The best way to store banana bread is by keeping it in an airtight container on the countertop. 

Q: How long does banana bread last?

A: Properly stored, banana bread will last for up to four days, but it can be refrigerated for up to one week. If the banana bread has been frozen, it should be consumed within a couple of months. 

Q: How ripe is too ripe for banana bread?

A: The perfect ripe bananas are those with yellow peel and a few brown spots. Bananas that are too ripe tend to be overly soft and mushy and they may also cause your banana bread to become too sweet or dense. 

Q: What’s the best way to freeze banana bread?

A: The best way to freeze bananas is to wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag before placing it in the freezer. To thaw frozen banana bread, place it in a microwave or oven until it’s softened or warmed through. You can also leave the wrapped loaf out at room temperature overnight to thaw.