Banana Bread with Ricotta Cheese: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Banana Bread with Ricotta Cheese: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Nothing fills the home with warmth quite like the sweet, inviting scent of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the air. As fall descends and the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of golden hues, I find myself reaching for ripe bananas on the countertop, ready to create a delightful treat that’s sure to cozy up any chilly afternoon. This Banana Bread with Ricotta Cheese recipe is especially close to my heart; it combines the tender, moist texture of banana bread with the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience that harkens back to the comforting kitchens of my childhood.

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dessert or a comforting snack to enjoy with your favorite cup of tea, this golden loaf is the perfect choice. The creamy ricotta merges beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas, leaving you with a slice of pure bliss. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: With just a few minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious batter ready for the oven.
• Family-Friendly: This banana bread is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for breakfasts or after-school snacks.
• Rich and Creamy: The addition of ricotta cheese brings a delightful creaminess that elevates this banana bread into the ‘ultimate’ category.
• Perfectly Moist: Say goodbye to dry banana bread! The combination of bananas and ricotta keeps every slice tender and flavorful.
• Customizable: Discover endless variations with different nuts, spices, or flavor enhancers—get creative!
• Freezer Friendly: Make extra loaves, slice them up, and freeze for later enjoyment. Perfect for busy days!

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

How to Make Banana Bread with Ricotta Cheese: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Creating Banana Bread with Ricotta Cheese is a straightforward process when following these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. There should be no large lumps—think creamy, delightful goodness!

3. Mix in the Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until well blended with the mashed bananas. This step is crucial for that wonderfully moist texture.

4. Add Sugars and Oil: Add the granulated and brown sugars along with the vegetable oil, mixing until combined.

5. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This adds warmth and a lovely aroma to your batter.

6. Sift in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

7. Fold in Nuts: If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them in now for a delightful crunch.

8. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and Enjoy: Let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!

Delicious Variations to Try

• Zesty Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the flavors.
• Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Spicy Ginger: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for a lively, spiced-up version.
• Creamy Pumpkin: Mix in ½ cup of pure pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired loaf that’s rich and comforting.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make Ahead: This banana bread can be made up to three days in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature for the best flavor.
• Ingredient Swaps: For a lighter option, consider using low-fat ricotta cheese. You can also substitute applesauce for half the oil for a healthier twist.
• Slicing Tips: To get neat slices, let the banana bread cool completely before cutting. Use a serrated knife for best results.
• Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze slices for later—perfect for those unexpected cravings!

Nutrition Information per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 loaf)
• Calories: 220
• Carbs: 30g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead?
  Absolutely! This banana bread tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

• Can I use different ingredients?
  Yes! Feel free to swap out nuts, add chocolate, or even incorporate different spices to suit your tastes.

• How do I store leftovers?
  Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.

• How long does it last?
  When stored properly, it lasts about 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer!

A Cozy Closing Note

As you bake this Banana Bread with Ricotta Cheese, remember the cozy moments it brings—slices served warm with butter, enjoyed with loved ones, or simply savored alone with a book on a rainy day. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace. Save this Banana Bread with Ricotta Cheese: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every bite!

Banana Bread with Ricotta Cheese

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• Author: Chef Emma
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A deliciously moist banana bread enhanced with creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for cozy afternoons.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
3. Stir in the ricotta cheese until well blended with the bananas.
4. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until combined.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring gently.
7. If using, fold in the walnuts or pecans.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Notes

This banana bread can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: banana bread, ricotta cheese, dessert, baking, cozy treat