Celebrate the timeless charm of this Classic Banana Bread, a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a loaf that’s brimming with comfort and sweetness. Featuring ripe bananas as the star, this bread is moist, fluffy, and infused with the warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, this banana bread is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and fill your kitchen with enticing aromas.
Why You'll Love This: Banana bread is beloved for many reasons, but its ease and delicious outcome top the list. This version uses almond milk and a choice of olive or coconut oil to keep it light yet satisfying. The addition of honey or another sweetener of your choice lends a natural sweetness that complements the bananas beautifully. The optional banana on top not only adds a decorative touch but also intensifies the banana flavor, making each slice even more irresistible.
Perfect Occasion: Banana bread is versatile and perfect for almost any occasion. Serve it at a casual brunch, bring it to a potluck, or slice it up for an after-school snack. It’s also a thoughtful and welcoming treat to share with new neighbors or friends. During the holiday season, this banana bread can be baked in mini loaf pans for sweet, personal gifts that everyone appreciates.
Decoration Tips: For an aesthetically pleasing and delicious topping, slice an additional banana lengthwise and place it on top of the batter before baking. After baking, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a lovely finish. If you’re serving it at a gathering, slice it on a wooden cutting board and accompany it with a spread of jams, nut butters, or cream cheese to let guests customize their slices.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (+1 more for topping, optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
- 1/3 cup olive oil or coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey or liquid sweetener of choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, egg, almond milk, oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
- Sift in the self-raising flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If using an additional banana for topping, slice it lengthwise and gently press it into the top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy this classic banana bread, a simple yet wonderfully comforting treat that’s sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds!