What ingredients do you need to make banana bread?

If you've ever craved the sweet, comforting flavor of banana bread, you're not alone. This beloved treat is one of the most popular homemade treats out there, with home bakers from across the globe finding creative ways to bring it to life. So, what ingredients do you need to make banana bread that will rival your favorite bakery version?

The basic ingredients for making banana bread include mashed ripe banana, melted butter or oil, eggs, dry ingredients such as all-purpose flour and baking powder or soda, and some type of sweetener such as sugar or honey.

Start by preheating your oven and greasing a standard loaf pan. If you'd like a denser texture in your loaf opt for a 9x5 inch bread pan. Begin by mashing 2-3 overripe bananas (the darker they are the better!) until smooth and creamy. In a large bowl, whisk together room temperature melted butter or oil with an equal amount of sugar or honey until creamy. Beat in two eggs until mixture is light and fluffy.

In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon baking soda and pinch of salt (or other spices if desired). Carefully fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just enough so that no lumps remain but without over-mixing the batter.

Finally it's time for some fun! Add nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit or coconut flakes to up the flavor profile of your banana bread and mix them evenly throughout the batter. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan (or pans) and bake at 350 degrees F for 55-60 minutes (test readiness with toothpick). Allow to cool before serving - enjoy!