
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar (you can adjust this depending on how sweet you like it)
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
Equipment:
1 loaf pan (about 4x8 inches)
Fork
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Why? This gets the oven hot enough to start baking right away when you put the banana bread in, helping it rise properly.
Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Prepare the Pan:
Why? Greasing the pan keeps the banana bread from sticking, making it easy to remove after baking.
With a little butter or cooking spray, lightly grease your loaf pan.
Mash the Bananas:
Why? Mashing breaks down the bananas, mixing smoothly into the batter and making the bread moist.
Peel the bananas and put them in a mixing bowl. Using a fork, mash them until smooth.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Why? Starting with wet ingredients helps blend them uniformly before adding dry ingredients.
To the mashed bananas, add melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Why? Baking soda helps the bread rise, while salt and sugar enhance flavor. Flour gives it structure.
Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add sugar and stir. Gradually mix in the flour until the mixture is smooth.
Pour Batter into Pan:
Why? Pouring the mixture into the pan brings it one step closer to becoming delicious banana bread.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Why? Baking transforms the batter into bread through heat, causing it to rise and brown.
Bake for about 50-60 minutes. You can check if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Cool and Serve:
Why? Letting the bread cool makes it easier to slice and tastes better.
Remove from oven, let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tip: You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fun twist!
Enjoy baking with the kids, and have fun explaining each step! This not only makes the process educational but also helps them appreciate the science and joy of cooking.
Comments