Gordon Ramsay Banana Bread
This banana bread recipe by Chef Gordon Ramsay is simple and forgiving, combining ripe bananas for flavor and moisture, creating a bakery-style loaf at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 large Very ripe bananas The more speckled, the better. Mash until mostly smooth but leave small lumps for texture.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled Butter gives flavor and moisture; oil can be substituted.
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Brown sugar Adjust sweetness based on preference.
- 2 large Eggs At room temp to help the loaf rise.
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour Spoon and level to avoid packing.
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda Ensure it's fresh for best lift.
- 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract Adds warmth and cozy flavor.
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup Chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, or cinnamon Keep total add-ins under 1 cup for best results.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
- Whisk in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until glossy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- If using, fold in optional add-ins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. A tester should come out with moist crumbs.
- If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
Let the loaf cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess. For room temp storage, wrap slices in parchment in an airtight container. For freezing, slice, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer bag.