Moist and Delicious Banana Bread Recipe (No Butter Needed!)
Are you craving a delicious slice of banana bread but want to avoid using butter? This recipe delivers all the moist, flavorful goodness of traditional banana bread without the need for butter, making it a healthier and equally satisfying treat! This recipe is perfect for those following a dairy-free diet or simply looking for a lighter alternative.
Why This Butterless Banana Bread Recipe Works
Many people believe that butter is essential for a moist and tender banana bread. However, this recipe proves that's not the case! We'll achieve that perfect texture using a clever combination of mashed bananas, oil, and other key ingredients. The result is a loaf that's wonderfully moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. It's also naturally vegan, making it a perfect choice for a wider range of dietary needs.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the sweeter!)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or another neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds delicious warmth)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added texture and flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
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Mash & Mix: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add the oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg (or flax egg) and whisk until everything is well incorporated.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
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Add Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chopped nuts (if using).
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Butterless Banana Bread:
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Banana Ripeness: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
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Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
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Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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