Simple Banana Bread Recipe
Banana Bread with Butter
Banana bread with butter is a timeless treat that brings richness and classic flavor to this beloved dessert. The butter not only adds a creamy flavor but also helps create a soft crumb and slightly crispy crust. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a moist, flavorful loaf every time.
Why Use Butter?
The butter gives the bread its classic richness and enhances the banana flavor. The result is a moist, fluffy loaf with a golden crust that’s hard to resist.
Try this recipe for a simple yet hearty version of banana bread!
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Banana Bread Without Butter: A Healthy, Moist Alternative
Banana bread is a classic comfort food, beloved for its rich flavor and soft, flaky texture. While traditional recipes often call for butter, you can easily make delicious banana bread without it. Whether you’re looking for a lighter option, have dietary restrictions, or are simply out of butter, this butter-free alternative is sure to impress.
Why Skip the Butter?
There are many reasons to skip the butter from your banana bread recipe:
Healthy Option: Without butter, the bread can be lower in saturated fat and calories, especially if you use healthier alternatives like olive oil or applesauce.
Dietary Restrictions: This is a great choice for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to avoid dairy.
Enhanced Banana Flavor: Without the rich flavor of butter, the bananas really shine, resulting in a naturally sweet and flavorful bread.
Butter-Free Alternatives
Replacing butter in banana bread is easy and provides a lot of flexibility. Here are some of the most common substitutions:
Oil
Best for: Keeping the bread super moist.
Types to use: Vegetable oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
Ratio: Replace butter with the same amount of oil (for example, ½ cup butter = ½ cup oil).
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Best for: Adding creaminess and a slight tang to balance out the sweetness.
Ratio: Replace butter with the same amount of yogurt or sour cream.
Applesauce
Best for: A low-fat, fruity option.
Ratio: Replace butter with the same amount of applesauce, though you may need to reduce the sugar slightly.
Mashed avocado
Best for: A nutritious alternative with healthy fats.
Ratio: Use the same amount of butter, though it may slightly change the color of your bread.
The preparation of banana bread with and without butter is the same so we will mention the preparation without butter here.
Recipe for Banana Bread Without Butter
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup vegetable oil (or substitute of your choice)
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar (or ¾ cup for less sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit
Directions
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the dough: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft.
Add toppings: If using nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let bread cool in a pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the perfect butter-free banana bread
Use ripe bananas: The riper, the better—they add natural sweetness and moisture.
Don’t overmix: This helps prevent a dense, tough texture.
Experiment with flavors: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra depth.