Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with melted butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar (or honey) until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb in your banana bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
- Fold in the Walnuts and Raisins:
- Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to the Loaf Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the banana bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own, or you can spread a bit of butter on a slice for an extra indulgence.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better. Brown, spotty bananas are ideal as they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Toasting Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Storing: Keep the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well—wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
This banana bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its super moist texture and rich, comforting flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy!
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