The secrets to making the best banana bread are really very simple. For the best ever banana bread, it is extremely important to use semi-blackened, overripe bananas, which are sweeter and less fibrous than their yellow counterparts. When bananas start to turn black, that means it's time to mash them up and make banana bread.
Another essential secret to note is to not over-mix the dough. Over-mixing the dough will create a denser, less moist bread. To keep the bread from being dried out and tough, mix the wet and dry ingredients together only until the dough is formed.
Following these secrets will lead to a moist, delicious banana bread that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It's a good idea to make two loaves at a time, because bread this good tends to disappear quickly.
Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a metal or glass baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flour into the pan and tap it so that the bottom and sides are lightly coated.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a mixer.
- Add the eggs to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, and continue to beat on medium-low until well combined.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and chopped pecans.
- Using a spatula, add the dough to the baking pan.
- Sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the dough.
- Place pan in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes.
There are several variations to this handed down recipe. Pecans can be substituted for walnuts, or omitted altogether for those who prefer their banana bread without nuts; add half of a cup of chocolate chips to this recipe to make chocolate chip banana bread; or use brown sugar in place of white sugar if desired.
Enjoy this traditional style quick bread fresh out of the oven on a chilly morning, with a cup of steaming hot coffee, or as a delicious after school snack. A loaf of banana bread is also a wonderful gift for neighbors, teachers and friends. No matter what the occasion, this old fashioned favorite will no doubt be appreciated by those who love tasty home-baked treats.
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