This banana bread, sweetened with maple syrup and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt, captures the timeless appeal of this classic treat. Each slice is a nostalgic journey back to the days of my childhood. Whenever I make this (which is very, very often), it doesn’t last long between my husband, Lars, and I. You can also tweak the recipe to cook your banana bread in a muffin pan for easy individual servings.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
• Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling on top

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
• In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
• Throw the rest of the ingredients in the bowl and mix it up. (I’ve done this the “proper” baking way where you first mix all the wet ingredients and then gradually stir in the dry and it really doesn’t make that much of a difference).
• Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it evenly.
• Sprinkle Maldon sea salt over the top of the batter for that salty crunch.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. (This is an important step! If you want your bread to be moist, DON’T cut into it right away… allowing it to fully cool locks in the moisture.)
• Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious banana bread!

If you give this banana bread recipe a try, I’d love to see your creations! Feel free to tag me on Instagram @chloerathje and share the banana bread love. Happy baking! 🍌🍞

For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, check out my additional recipes here. Explore a variety of treats and easy-to-make meals for the time-crunched.