Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar (ensure it is fresh and soft)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 scant cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup brown sugar (or more, if desired), for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and ⅔ cup brown sugar until well combined, about 1 minute. Add eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, whisking until incorporated.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

4. Prepare Pan:

   • Grease a 9×9 square baking pan and pour the batter into it. Smooth the top into an even layer. Sprinkle the top with ¼ cup (or more) brown sugar.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan once during baking. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Notes:

• Flour: Fluff the flour in your measuring cup, scoop a heaping portion, and level it off. For a different texture, substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour with ¾ cup whole wheat flour.

• Pan Sizes:

  • Muffins: Divide batter among 12 greased muffin cups and bake for about 15 minutes.
  • 8×8 Square Pan: Bake for 35-45 minutes.
  • Loaf Pan (9×5): Bake for 45-55 minutes.