The Best Kept Secret Banana Bread

Best Kept Secret Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe is simple, easy, and can be made using one bowl.
American banana bread recipes are really a misnomer; they should really be called “Banana Cake”, but that’s only my opinion.

This "Bread" seems to always be best the day after baking. If I'm giving it as a gift, I'd normally make it the night before. This is one of my favorite quick & easy people-pleasing desserts to bring over as a thank you after dinner, or potluck item - you can bake into muffin tins to make convenient portion sizes for larger crowds. (Although I'm not usually a fan of loading up the individual tins, too much work.)

That is, as long as you can keep from shoveling freshly-baked pieces into your mouth at 10pm.

Out of eggs or butter? You can find a delightful vegan version here.

The Best Banana Bread Ingredients: 

• 1 stick butter, melted
• (130g total) 3/4 C Sugar (1/2 white sugar, 1/2 brown sugar*)
• 2 eggs
• (215g) 1 1/2 C AP flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/3 tsp nutmeg
• (210g) 2 very ripe bananas
• (145g)1/2 C Sour Cream or full fat yogurt
• 1tsp Vanilla

• 1/2 C Finely chopped walnuts and/or Pecans (optional)

Instructions:

• • Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.
  • Whisk melted stick of butter and 130g sugar until no lumps appear. Add 2 eggs, whisking for a minute, or using a hand mixer to make fluffy.
  • Slowly whisk in 215g flour, adding 1 tsp each of baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, with 1/3 tsp or a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well.
  • Add 2 bananas - mashing with a stiff spatula or the underside of a drinking glass. You can mash in a separate bowl, or in the same bowl for laziness. Some small lumps are ok, mash to desired consistency.
  • Stir in 145g of sour cream or yogurt. Mix well. Then add 1/2 cup nuts (if desired) If nuts are added, make sure to chop finely.
  • Bake at 350 Degrees for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from the center; add 5-10 minutes if needed. (Especially if you had larger bananas)

Variations:

• You can use all white or all brown sugar if needed. All brown sugar will create a softer bread-cake, white will create a stiffer texture. I enjoy a 50/50 split.
• Turn these into muffins for a potluck or portion control. Bake for 20-25 minutes instead.

Issues with your Banana Bread?

• • Too moist? You may want to add more baking time. Otherwise, you may need to add a few grams of flour, especially if your bananas are very large.
  • Too chunky? Try a hand mixer or stir for longer.
  • Didn’t rise well? The bread/cake will settle as it cools, that’s normal. If it didn’t rise very well, make sure your oven temperature is really at 350 and not too cool.