Quick Banana Bread: A Delicious Treat in Under an Hour

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On a lazy Sunday afternoon, I had a strong urge to make something sweet and homemade. Because there were only a few ripe bananas on the kitchen counter, I knew what to make: banana bread. But not just any banana bread. I needed something quick, simple, and tasty. I decided to make Quick Banana Bread, the best recipe for a quick but tasty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Banana Bread Recipe

You can make this recipe of banana bread, and it will be soft, moist, and full of banana taste. The best part is that it takes less than an hour to make, so it’s great for when you need to bake at the last minute. This recipe is simple and foolproof, and you probably already have the basic items in your pantry, whether you’ve baked before or not.

Quick Banana Bread: A Delicious Treat in Under an Hour

Recipe by Chef SarahCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

220

kcal

Here’s what you’ll need to make your banana bread:

Ingredients

  • 2-3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)

  • 1/2 cup melted butter

  • 3/4 cup sugar (you can reduce for a less sweet loaf)

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
  • Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Stir in the melted butter.
  • Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Stir in the flour last, and mix until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas. The more overripe, the better, as they add natural sweetness and moisture. If your bananas aren’t quite ready, you can quickly ripen them by placing them in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the bread to be dense rather than fluffy. Stir just until all ingredients are combined for the best results.
  • Add-ins to try: Want to take your banana bread up a notch? Stir in some chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a handful of dried fruit for an extra flavor boost.

For more detailed instructions and tips on perfecting banana bread, check out this helpful guide to baking banana bread.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

220

Calories

8g

Fat

32g

Carbs

5g

Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving of Quick Banana Bread (1 slice)

Calories 220
Total Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 180mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 11%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 5g
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 1mg 8%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

More Banana Bread Recipes You’ll Love:

Optional Add-ins and Variations

You can use this banana bread recipe as a base, but it’s also very flexible. Here are a few ways to personalize it:

  • Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking for a sweeter twist.
  • Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.

For more creative banana bread variations, take a look at these flavor-packed banana bread ideas.

Storage and Freezing Tips

When the banana bread is cool, put it in a container that won’t let air in. Leave it at room temperature for up to three days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and put it in a freezer-safe bag if you want to save it for later. You can freeze banana bread for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it again, just let it thaw at room temperature.

For more detailed freezing tips, check out this guide to storing baked goods.

Conclusion

This quick banana bread is great if you’re in a hurry or just want a quick and easy recipe that tastes great. It only takes less than an hour to make a warm piece of bread that tastes delicious with sweet bananas. Don’t forget to add your favorite things, like chocolate chips or nuts, to make it your own. Have fun baking!

FAQs

  1. Can I make this banana bread ahead of time?

    Yes! Banana bread often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Wrap it up and store it overnight, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready the next morning.

  2. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

    You can bake banana bread in a muffin tin instead! Adjust the baking time to around 20–25 minutes for muffins.