The Best Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
• 0.5 cup Brown Sugar (packed, for caramel topping)
• 0.75 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature for batter (1/2 cup) plus 1/4 cup for caramel)
• 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup Whole Milk (for homemade buttermilk)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 medium Ripe Bananas (mashed)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (ground)
• 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg (ground)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for caramel sauce)
• 0.5 cup Optional Chopped Nuts (walnuts or pecans, folded in)
• 1 tablespoon Nonstick Cooking Spray (to grease loaf pan)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

2. Mash Bananas

   Peel the ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl with a masher or fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.

   Time: PT5M

3. Prepare Homemade Buttermilk

   Combine 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, stir, and let sit for 2‑3 minutes to curdle.

   Time: PT3M

4. Cream Butter and Sugars

   In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup room‑temperature butter with 1 cup granulated sugar and 0.5 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.

   Time: PT5M

5. Incorporate Eggs

   Add the two eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.

   Time: PT2M

6. Add Bananas and Spices

   Stir in the mashed bananas, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg on low speed until just combined.

   Time: PT3M

7. Add Baking Soda

   Sprinkle 1 tsp baking soda over the batter and give a quick stir to distribute evenly.

   Time: PT1M

8. Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

   Add half of the sifted flour, mix on low, then pour in the prepared buttermilk, followed by the remaining flour. Mix just until no dry streaks remain.

   Time: PT5M

9. Fold in Optional Add‑ins

   If using, gently fold 0.5 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter with a spatula.

   Time: PT2M

10. Prepare Pan and Fill

    Spray the 9x5‑inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray (or line with parchment). Pour the batter in, smooth the top, and tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.

    Time: PT2M

11. Bake Banana Bread

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55‑60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: 350°F

12. Cool in Pan

    Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 20 minutes to set the crumb.

    Time: PT20M

13. Prepare Caramel Topping

    In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 0.25 cup butter with 0.5 cup packed brown sugar, stirring constantly. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 0.25 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT7M

14. Glaze with Caramel

    Turn the loaf out onto a cutting board, slice if desired, and drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to soak into the crumb.

    Time: PT2M

15. Slice and Serve

    Allow the bread to cool completely (optional) or serve warm. Cut into 1‑inch slices and enjoy with butter, coffee, or milk.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

3 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

2 g