This banana bread is soft, sweet, and packed with the rich flavor of brown sugar. It’s super easy to make, turning overripe bananas into a delicious treat that your whole family will love!
Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than the smell of banana bread baking in the kitchen. I can’t resist sneaking a slice while it’s still warm! 🍌
What I love most is how quick it is to whip up. Just mix everything together, pour it in a pan, and let the oven do its magic. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Overripe bananas with brown spots are best!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a lovely richness and depth to this bread. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can swap it for white sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses for each cup, or use coconut sugar for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for controlling the saltiness. If you want to make it dairy-free, melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce work great and still keep the bread moist.
Walnuts or Pecans: Adding nuts gives a wonderful crunch. If you have allergies, you can skip them altogether or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds as a substitute.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth to the bread. Sometimes I love adding a dash of nutmeg or allspice as well. If you prefer no spices, feel free to leave it out!
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can make your banana bread dense and tough. The key is to mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon for mixing instead of a mixer.
- Add the flour mixture slowly to the wet ingredients, gently folding until you see no dry flour pockets. A few lumps are okay!
- Remember, the batter should be thick but slightly lumpy, not smooth.
Take your time with this step; it’s worth it for a fluffy loaf!
How to Make Brown Sugar Banana Bread?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty brown sugar banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. Once it’s done in the oven, let it cool for a bit before slicing. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy a slice of this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas and pour in the melted butter. Give it a good mix until it’s all combined. Next, stir in the brown sugar until it’s fully blended in. This will add a lovely sweetness to your bread!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time! Make sure to mix well after adding each egg. This keeps your mixture nice and smooth. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra flavorful touch.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until there are no dry bits left!
5. Add Extra Flavor (if you want):
If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans, and sprinkle in the cinnamon for a delightful flavor boost. It’s optional, but it adds a nice texture and spice!
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready! If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once it’s baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, slice yourself a piece and enjoy your delightful brown sugar banana bread!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with granulated white sugar. For a closer flavor profile, consider using half granulated sugar and half light brown sugar. If you want a deeper flavor, dark brown sugar can work too!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed flaxseed (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). Both options help keep the bread moist!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Just slice it before freezing and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slices as needed at room temperature or in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even swirl in some peanut butter for a fun twist. Just be cautious not to overpower the banana flavor; a half cup of additional ingredients should work great!
