Get ready to transform ordinary bananas into a slice of heaven with Grandma Lehr's legendary banana bread recipe! This isn't just another banana bread - it's a nostalgic journey that will transport you straight to grandma's warm kitchen, filling your home with an aroma so incredible, your family will come running. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe guarantees a moist, tender loaf that will become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you put the banana bread in to bake.
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop. You will need 3 ripe bananas, 1/3 cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 large beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Make sure to leave some small chunks for texture, if desired.
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well until fully combined.
- Stir in the baking soda and a pinch of salt into the banana mixture. This will help the bread rise and enhance the flavor.
- Add the 3/4 cup of sugar to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Beat the large egg in a separate bowl, then add it to the banana mixture along with the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the banana bread from sticking.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After cooling, carefully remove the banana bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy your delicious Grandma Lehr's Banana Bread either warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Choose Overripe Bananas: The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with deep brown or black peels.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool entirely before slicing to prevent crumbling and help it set properly.
- Storage Hack: Wrap the cooled banana bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.Pro Tip: For extra indulgence, try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to customize your banana bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
