My Go-To Banana Bread Recipe for a Perfect Fall Treat
As the air gets a little cooler here in Maryland and fall starts to settle in, there’s one recipe I always come back to. If you love banana bread that’s perfectly moist, just the right amount of sweet, and incredibly easy to make, you've come to the right place. This is my go-to recipe for a healthier banana bread that you just can't mess up.
It’s perfect for a weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert. Let's get baking!
What You'll Need: The Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to make this delicious loaf.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas | 3 medium |
| Butter | 1/3 cup, melted |
| Large Egg | 1 |
| Almond Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Brown Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Optional Topping | Walnuts (or your choice) |
Let's Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is straightforward and comes together in one bowl. You’ll have this in the oven in no time!
Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a standard loaf pan to make sure your delicious bread doesn't stick later.
Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash up your three ripe bananas.
Chill Dad Tip: The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots are much sweeter and easier to mash, giving your bread the best flavor and moisture.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: Add the 1/3 cup of melted butter to the mashed bananas. In a separate small bowl, beat the one large egg and then pour it into the main mixing bowl.
Add the Dry Stuff and Flavor: Sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and the 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Pour in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Chill Dad Tip: Notice we aren't using a ton of sugar. That's because the ripe bananas and a touch of honey provide plenty of natural sweetness, keeping this recipe on the healthier side.
Mix in the Flour: Add the 1 1/2 cups of almond flour to the bowl. Using almond flour is a great trick to keep the bread extra moist and gluten-free. Mix everything together until it's well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
The Final Touch: Drizzle in the tablespoon of honey and give the batter one last quick stir.
Pan and Toppings: Pour your batter into the buttered loaf pan and give it a gentle shake to even it out. Sprinkle your topping of choice over the top—I love the classic crunch of walnuts, but chocolate chips or pecans would be amazing too.
Chill Dad Tip: Gently pat your toppings into the top of the batter. This helps "nest" them in so they don't fall off after baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for about an hour. The bread is done when it's a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The Perfect Anytime Treat
And that’s it! Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This recipe is a staple in my house during the fall, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. It's a simple, delicious, and healthier way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
