Pan de Platano (Banana Bread)

This Pan de Platano or Pan de Banana (Banana Bread) is super flavorful, deliciously moist and perfectly sweetly balanced. You will love it!

I just love banana bread! Absolutely love it! But just like my Pan de Maiz (Cornbread) it has to be moist and in this case a perfectly “banana” balanced loaf.

Depending on your preference, too much or too little bananas in your recipe can determine whether you enjoy your bread.

You either end up with a bread that’s overly banana flavored or not enough!

Perfect Banana Flavored Bread

So a couple of things first…

I’ve noticed throughout the years of making banana bread how much banana flavor I like in my bread. So first think about how much banana flavor you like.

Do you like a loaf with LOTS of banana taste or enjoy more of a subtle taste?

Next, see how ripe your bananas are. If they have just a few black spots and you love a loaf with lots of banana flavor, then you will have to use more bananas in your recipe.

However, if they are completely black (and yes don’t throw these out!) These will make a perfect sweet banana bread! In this case, you will use less bananas, because these will be extra sweet and flavory!

For Extra Banana Flavor

So in other words, if you are a banana extreme lover, use one more banana in recipe than the recipe is calling for.

Another thing to keep in mind is the ripeness of your bananas if you’re a banana lover.

• If bananas have just a few black spots, then use 4 bananas.
• If bananas are completely black, use 3.

For Less Banana Flavor

In my opinion this produces the best banana flavor balanced loaf.

• If bananas have just a few black spots then use 3 bananas.
• If bananas are completely black, use 2 bananas.

Different Countries, Different Names

For some of my foodie friends, it may seem strange that I’m calling banana bread, Pan de Platano instead of Pan de Banana. That is because in Puerto Rico, platano refers to a plantain.

However in other Latin countries, Banana Bread is known as Pan de Platano.

So depending on where you are from, you will know this bread by one of the three names.

You may even refer to it as Pan de Banano!

Whatever name you know it as, doesn’t really matter as long as it is delicious to you!

So lets get to the ingredients and get started!

Ingredients

• ripe bananas
• butter at room temperature
• sugar
• eggs
• all purpose flour
• baking soda
• salt
• vanilla extract
• walnuts (Optional)

Other Add Ins

Besides walnuts, you can also add raisins or chopped pecans or why not all three!

How to Make Pan de Platano (Pan de Banana)

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• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×5 loaf pan by spreading a little bit of butter around pan.
• In a mixing bowl, blend together sugar and butter using a hand mixer until well combined.

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• Mash bananas with a fork until consistency is chunky but smooth.
• Add eggs and banana mixture to butter, sugar mixture and blend well.

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• In another bowl, add flour, baking soda and salt. With a fork or a whisk, combine well.
• Add to batter, along with the vanilla extract and walnuts if adding.
• Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and let banana bread rest for 10 minutes in loaf pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool. (Can also leave in loaf pan if you prefer)

How Long Does Pan de Platano (Banana Bread) Last

If you don’t swallow up your banana bread immediately and must put some of it away, wrap it well.

Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, freezer bag or place in an air tight container.

This will help preserve your banana bread and will last for about two-three days on the counter. Note: Best if consumed within 2 days, otherwise refrigerate and eat within 6 days.

Please keep in mind, use personal judgement on what’s best for you and your family and what you feel comfortable with.

These are just suggestions and sharing with you what works for me and what I do for my own family.

How To Freeze Banana Bread

You can either leave the bread whole or cut into slices and store individually to avoid them sticking together.

Make sure to wrap your bread well inside freezer bags, wrapped in aluminum foil.

Or use a container.

Banana bread will last for a couple of weeks in freezer if well wrapped.

How to Thaw

• Transfer the loaf into the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight.
• If thawing slices, take out what you’re planning on having and leave on counter for 30 minutes to an hour.
• If you would like your bread warm, place it in a toaster, oven or pan.

How to Know When Bread Has Gone Bad

• You notice mold on bread.
• Bread has an odd smell.
• Or if you start to notice dark spots on bread.

For more delicious bread recipes, you will also love these:

Pan de Maiz (Cornbread)

Deliciously Moist Avocado Bread

Day of the Dead Bread (Pan de Muerto)

Irish Soda Bread