Banana Bread Recipe
Description: Dive into the delightful world of homemade banana bread with this easy-to-follow recipe that yields two loaves, perfect for savoring now and sharing or freezing for later enjoyment. Sourced from Bon Appetit (December, 1986), this classic recipe promises a moist and flavorful result that will tantalize your taste buds.
Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3/4 cup | Butter |
| 1 cup | Margarine |
| 1/4 cup | Sugar |
| 2 tsp | Salt |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 1/2 cup | Whole wheat flour |
| 1 cup | White flour |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1/4 tsp | Cinnamon |
| 1/4 tsp | Ground cloves |
| 1/2 cup | Walnuts (optional) |
| 1 1/2 | Bananas |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1605.3
- Fat: 76.2g
- Saturated Fat: 45.7g
- Cholesterol: 394.5mg
- Sodium: 1129.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 218.6g
- Fiber: 12.2g
- Sugar: 114.5g
- Protein: 22.9g
Recipe Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
-
Prepare Loaf Pans: Spray two loaf pans (sized 4×8 inches) with cooking spray or grease them with butter to prevent sticking.
-
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, margarine, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
-
Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg into the creamed mixture and mix well. Then, add the whole wheat flour, white flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir until the batter is well combined.
-
Fold in Nuts and Bananas: If desired, gently fold in the walnuts and mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
-
Transfer to Loaf Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, spreading it out evenly.
-
Bake: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired, perhaps with a smear of butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat!
Tips:
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for banana bread as they are sweeter and easier to mash.
- To freeze banana bread, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or warm slices in the microwave for a quick treat.
Indulge in the comforting aroma and irresistible taste of freshly baked banana bread with this cherished recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, it’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade goodness with every delicious bite! 🍌🍞
