Description
Paula Deen’s Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful classic loaf made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, and optional nuts. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a tender bread perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set the mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to ensure even texture.
- Add Vanilla, Bananas, and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed ripe bananas, and whole milk to the wet ingredients for moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing and developing gluten.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If desired, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly throughout the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the banana bread for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- Optional nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Ensure the loaf pan is properly greased and floured to prevent sticking.
- Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to maintain its structure.
