Bring the family together in the kitchen for a delightful baking experience with our Baking Banana Bread activity! This family-friendly recipe is not only a fun way to spend quality time together, but it also results in a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf of banana bread. Perfect for teaching kids basic baking skills and the joy of homemade treats, this activity is sure to create lasting memories and a scrumptious snack!
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Serving Size: 1 slice
Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: 3 (about 300 grams or 0.66 pounds)
- All-Purpose Flour: 200 grams (0.44 pounds)
- Granulated Sugar: 150 grams (0.33 pounds)
- Unsalted Butter: 100 grams (0.22 pounds), melted
- Eggs: 2 large
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas and mix well.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
- Mixing Technique: Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Variations: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make banana bread gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- How can I store leftover banana bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Can I freeze banana bread? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.