Easy Joy Of Cooking Banana Bread Recipe That’s Simply Perfect

Joy of Cooking’s banana bread transforms overripe, mushy fruits into a delectable, moist treat that fills kitchens with warmth and nostalgia.

Soft, golden-brown edges hint at the rich, comforting flavors waiting inside this classic quick bread.

Aromatic spices dance through the batter, promising a delightful sensory experience with each slice.

Home bakers appreciate its simplicity, requiring minimal effort and few ingredients to create something truly special.

Texture plays a crucial role in this beloved recipe, balancing dense crumb with subtle crunchiness from potential nut additions.

Baking this sweet loaf connects generations, offering a time-honored method of turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when simple pantry staples merge into a crowd-pleasing comfort food that sparks conversation and memories: get ready to bake!

Banana Bread Brilliance: Why It’s a Must-Try

• Effortless Baking Experience: Straightforward recipe with simple steps that even beginner bakers can master, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Bursting with Nutty Richness: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and deep, warm flavor that elevates the classic banana bread from ordinary to extraordinary, creating layers of texture and taste.
• Comfort in Every Slice: Warm, aromatic cinnamon and ripe bananas combine to deliver a nostalgic, homey feeling that wraps you in comfort, perfect for morning breakfasts or cozy afternoon treats.
• Quick Weeknight Dessert: Total preparation and baking time of under two hours makes this banana bread an ideal last-minute dessert or weekend baking project that doesn't demand hours of complicated preparation.

Core Ingredients for Moist, Flavorful Loaves

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural base for the banana bread, providing necessary texture and substance.
• Granulated Sugar: Natural sweetener that adds pleasant sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps bread rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Helps bread rise and creates tender crumb with proper chemical reaction.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complementary flavor to banana bread.

• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the bread.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture, flavor, and contributes to tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that complements banana and adds depth.
• Ripe Bananas: Main flavor component, providing natural sweetness and moisture.

• Walnuts or Pecans: Optional add-in that provides crunch, texture, and nutty flavor. Choose fresh, crisp nuts for best results.

No-Fail Steps to Whip Up Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with butter, then dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts

Spread nuts (walnuts or pecans) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely. Keep the oven on.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• 1 all-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• Melted butter
• 2-3 ripe mashed bananas
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Create the Batter

Slowly pour dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until flour streaks just disappear. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Add Toasted Nuts

Gently fold in the cooled toasted nuts, creating a chunkier batter texture.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when bread is fully baked.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Expert Tips for Baking Success

• Crack Open Flavor: Gently crush nuts with a rolling pin to release extra aroma before toasting, maximizing their rich, nutty essence.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Line the loaf pan with parchment paper after buttering and flouring for foolproof bread release and crisp edges.
• Quick Moisture Check: Insert a wooden skewer near the center of the bread – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is perfectly baked.
• Ripeness Matters: Select bananas with deep brown or black speckled peels for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
• Cool Like a Pro: Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent bottom dampness and maintain a delightful crust texture.

Keeping Banana Bread Fresh & Tasty

• Countertop Preservation: Wrap banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it at room temperature for 2-3 days. The sealed environment prevents moisture loss and maintains its soft, tender texture.
• Refrigerator Storage: Place bread in an airtight container or sealed zip-lock bag, extending its freshness up to 5-7 days. Cool temperatures slow down mold growth and preserve the bread's delicate crumb structure.
• Freezer Technique: Slice bread before freezing, wrapping each section individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen banana bread stays delicious for 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness anytime without compromising quality.

Banana Bread Makeovers: Flavorful Variations

• Nutty Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in dark chocolate chips along with the toasted nuts for a rich, decadent version that adds extra sweetness and texture to the classic recipe.
• Tropical Banana Bread: Mix in shredded coconut and diced dried pineapple to transform the bread into a sunny, island-inspired treat that brings a burst of exotic flavors.
• Spiced Banana Nut Bread: Enhance the cinnamon with additional warm spices like ground ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom to create a more complex and aromatic banana bread that warms you from the inside out.
• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to ensure the bread maintains its classic soft texture while being accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.

Banana Bread Finale: Last Tasty Thoughts

Banana bread emerges as pure culinary magic, bridging comfort and nostalgia with each delectable slice.

Classic ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of warmth and flavor that whispers home-baked memories.

Nutty undertones from toasted pecans elevate this simple recipe beyond ordinary quick breads.

Kitchen aromas promise pure indulgence, inviting eager taste buds to explore rich, moist textures.

Baking becomes an art form where ripe bananas transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grab your slice, snap a photo, share this delightful recipe with friends who crave sweet, homemade goodness – passion baked right into every crumb awaits you.

Joy Of Cooking Banana Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Classic banana bread from Joy of Cooking brings comfort and nostalgia to kitchen counters. Rich with ripe bananas and warm spices, this timeless recipe delivers irresistible homemade goodness that wraps you in sweet, comforting memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) melted unsalted butter, cooled

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 grams) walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan by generously coating the bottom and sides with butter, then dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Spread walnuts or pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes until fragrant. Remove and allow to cool completely while maintaining oven temperature.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
4. In a separate large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth, then incorporate beaten eggs, melted unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract, stirring until well blended.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture, using a rubber spatula and stirring just until no visible flour streaks remain to ensure a tender bread.
6. Carefully fold the cooled, toasted nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly and creating a chunky texture throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface for consistent baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to allow initial cooling and prevent breaking when removing.
10. Carefully invert the loaf onto a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely before slicing to maintain optimal texture and moisture.

Notes

• Unlock deep, nutty richness by gently toasting walnuts or pecans in a single layer, releasing their aromatic oils and intensifying their natural flavors.
• Warm your oven to the perfect 350°F (175°C) temperature before mixing ingredients, creating an ideal baking environment for golden, tender banana bread.
• Protect your delicious creation from sticking by generously coating the loaf pan with butter and a light dusting of flour, ensuring a smooth and effortless release after baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 436 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 194 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg