If you are like me, you have grand plans for your bananas only to see them the day before they are ready to be thrown out and think, “Why do I get these every time I go to the store?”. So, what to do with these overly ripe bananas other then make a delicious loaf of banana bread! This recipe checks all of the boxes.
Sweet- YES
Soft- Absolutely
Not Dry- Not at all
Has chocolate- duh, why wouldn’t it?
Things you need
8 TBSP unsalted butter melted
1 cup packed brown sugar (I like to use light brown for this recipe)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
4-5 very ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans or chocolate chips ( I use both because I’m fancy like that)
1-2 TBSP granulated sugar
What to do
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 baking pan with nonstick baking spray or line with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, beat together the butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla with the paddle attachment until well blended. (You can also do this with an electric mixer.) Add the bananas until combined.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. Add the chocolate chips or (and) pecans and mix until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sugar over the top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a tester or toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle. Let the bread cool slightly in the pan on a rack. Slice and serve warm with butter. (But really, this is so good, you really don’t need the butter at all )
When banana bread is completely cool, cover the pan with foil or if your dish comes with a lid and store at room temperature for up to two days...but it probably won't last that long.
I hope you enjoy this treat as much as I do. I find myself just eating this out of the pan with a fork (no shame) it is that good. Sometimes if I am feeling healthy, ha, I ditch the sugar on top as it adds just a little crunch as opposed to additional sweetness.
Now every time you see those almost brown bananas you can whip up this simple yet amazing bread.
