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Rachael Ray Banana Bread Recipe

Rachael Ray Banana Bread Recipe

Bake a cozy Rachael Ray banana bread recipe with ripe bananas, cinnamon, butter, and walnuts for a sweet and tender classic treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 295 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Cooling rack
  • Toothpick for testing doneness

Ingredients
  

  • 3 very ripe bananas mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional

Ingredient Notes and Helpful Tips

Bananas

  • The bananas should be heavily spotted and soft. The riper they are the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will taste. If your bananas are still yellow, wait another day or two.

Butter

  • Melted butter creates a richer flavor compared to oil. It also gives the bread a soft tender crumb.

Cinnamon

  • A small amount of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the banana flavor.

Walnuts or Chocolate Chips

  • Both are optional but they add wonderful texture. Walnuts give a nutty crunch while chocolate chips make the bread extra indulgent.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

  • In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Make the Batter

  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix because that can make the bread dense.
  • If using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

  • Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
  • Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Keyword Rachael Ray Banana Bread Recipe