Just Another Banana Bread Recipe: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion
Banana bread is a classic favorite, beloved for its moist texture and rich flavor, making it a delightful addition to any breakfast table or brunch spread. This particular recipe, lovingly adapted from the archives of a cherished church cookbook, has been a hit in my kitchen, yielding not just delicious loaves but also delightful muffins, perfect for both kids and adults alike. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe promises to deliver the comforts of home baking while avoiding the inclusion of nuts for those with allergies, making it wonderfully versatile.
Ingredients for Just Another Banana Bread
Before embarking on this baking adventure, let’s gather the essential ingredients. Below is a comprehensive table listing each component necessary for crafting this delightful banana bread.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe bananas | 9 |
| Sugar | 3 cups |
| Margarine | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 6 |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 6 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
While enjoying this banana bread, it’s important to be aware of its nutritional content. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutrients found in the entire recipe, which yields approximately four loaves or twelve muffins.
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Recipe |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 2253.4 calories |
| Total Fat | 78.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 319.7 mg |
| Sodium | 2185.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 359.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugars | 186.8 g |
| Protein | 34.5 g |
Instructions for Preparing Just Another Banana Bread
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering banana bread. The process is quite simple and will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma as it bakes. Follow these steps closely to ensure the best results:
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Prepare Your Baking Pans
Begin by greasing four muffin tins or, if you prefer to make loaves, grease four loaf pans with a bit of margarine or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) will ensure that it is ready for baking. -
Cream Together the Sweet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, margarine, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture. -
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread. -
Add the Mashed Bananas and Buttermilk
Next, add the ripe bananas (mashed until smooth) and buttermilk to the batter. Fold these ingredients in gently with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The bananas not only provide sweetness but also contribute to the moistness of the bread. -
Pour the Batter into the Prepared Pans
Once the batter is well mixed, pour it into the prepared muffin tins or loaf pans, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. For muffins, this batter will yield approximately 12 muffins, while the loaves will fill the pans adequately for a hearty serving. -
Bake to Perfection
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you are making muffins, begin checking for doneness after about 20 minutes. The tops should be golden brown and a delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that they are ready. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the banana bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After this initial cooling period, gently turn the loaves or muffins out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for preventing sogginess and ensuring a perfect texture. -
Enjoy Your Creation
Once fully cooled, slice the loaves or enjoy the muffins as they are. This banana bread is delicious on its own or served warm with a pat of butter. It also freezes beautifully, allowing you to savor a slice whenever the craving strikes.
Final Thoughts
This Just Another Banana Bread recipe is not only simple and straightforward, but it also offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether you choose to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or keep it plain, the results are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy this delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack, knowing that you’ve created something truly special from the comfort of your own kitchen. Happy baking!
