Banana Loaf Recipe from Baker’s Secret
Description:
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and flavor of this classic Banana Loaf recipe from Julia Aitken’s Baker’s Secret Quick and Easy Baking collection. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re using up a surplus of bananas or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Feel free to customize it with a touch of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. Enjoy it warm or cold, straight from the oven or as a delightful snack throughout the day!
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Recipe Category: Quick Breads
Keywords: Breads, Fruit, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 2330.5
- Fat Content: 99.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 60.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 455.5mg
- Sodium Content: 2352.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 340.1g
- Fiber Content: 12.1g
- Sugar Content: 167.5g
- Protein Content: 29.6g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Butter |
| 2/3 cup | Margarine |
| 1 cup | Granulated Sugar |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1-3 | Bananas |
| 1 tsp | Baking Soda |
| 1 tbsp | Water |
| 1 1/2 cups | All-Purpose Flour |
| 1 tsp | Baking Powder |
| 1 cup | Walnuts (optional) |
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325ºF (163ºC). This ensures that your banana loaf bakes evenly to perfection.
-
Grease Loaf Pan: Prepare an 8-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ (6 cup/1.5 L) loaf pan by greasing it generously. This prevents the loaf from sticking to the pan.
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Cream Butter, Sugar, and Eggs: In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, margarine, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and tender loaf.
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Add Bananas and Baking Soda: Mash the ripe bananas and dissolve the baking soda in water. Add this mixture to the bowl with the butter-sugar-egg mixture. Despite the initial appearance, don’t worry, as the bananas and baking soda will create the perfect texture for your loaf.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents in the batter, resulting in a uniformly risen loaf.
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Incorporate Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
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Spoon Batter into Loaf Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Use a spatula to smooth out the top for an even bake.
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Optional: Add Walnuts: If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of the batter before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your banana loaf.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The heavenly aroma wafting from the oven will let you know it’s almost ready!
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Cool and Serve: Once baked to golden perfection, remove the banana loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy slices of this moist and flavorful banana loaf on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of butter.
Tips:
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or other spices to customize the flavor profile.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days, or freeze slices for longer-term enjoyment.
Indulge in the comforting goodness of this Banana Loaf from Baker’s Secret, and watch it disappear within moments of serving! Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking! 🍌🍞
