Banana Bread
Helen's Rich Banana Bread is a heartwarming recipe that blends simplicity with tradition.
Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
- White sugar provides the necessary sweetness and contributes to the moist texture of the banana bread. It also helps in caramelizing the top of the bread. For a variation you can use brown sugar for a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
½ cup butter, melted
- Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the banana bread. It helps to create a tender crumb and enhances the overall flavor. If you prefer a lighter option you can substitute part of the butter with applesauce or yogurt, but using all butter will give the best texture and taste.
2 eggs
- Eggs serve as a binder and leavening agent helping the banana bread rise and hold its shape. They contribute to the texture and moisture of the bread. If you're looking for a vegan alternative, flax eggs or chia eggs can be used instead.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the banana bread adding a warm and aromatic note. For optimal flavor, choose pure vanilla extract over imitation vanilla. Feel free to try different extracts, such as almond or coconut, to add a distinctive flavor to your banana bread.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for the banana bread. It forms the base of the batter and contributes to the texture. For a whole grain option you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, which adds a nutty flavor and slightly denser texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda
- Baking soda acts as a leavening agent causing the banana bread to rise and become light and fluffy. It reacts with the acidity in the bananas and sour cream to create carbon dioxide bubbles that help the bread rise. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best results.
½ teaspoon salt
- Salt enhances the flavors in the banana bread and balances the sweetness. It also strengthens the dough and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the bananas. Even a small amount of salt can significantly improve the overall taste of the bread.
½ cup sour cream
- Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the banana bread contributing to a soft and moist texture. It also provides a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the bread. Greek yogurt can be used as an alternative, offering a comparable texture and flavor.
½ cup chopped walnuts
- Chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the banana bread. They also provide added texture and visual interest. If you prefer you can substitute walnuts with other nuts such as pecans or almonds, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
2 medium bananas, sliced
- Bananas are the main ingredient and provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Overripe bananas are best as they are sweeter and more flavorful. For a smoother texture, you can mash the bananas before adding them to the batter.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking. This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you put the bread in, which helps it bake evenly. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking. For added ease, you can also line the pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Introduce the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated into the mixture before adding the next. This step helps to incorporate the eggs evenly into the mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely, aromatic flavor to the bread.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps the bread rise uniformly and avoids any pockets of baking soda.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense texture. The batter should be thick but still pourable. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a less tender loaf.
- Add Sour Cream, Bananas, and Walnuts: Gently fold in the sour cream, which adds richness and moisture to the batter. Then, fold in the sliced bananas and chopped walnuts. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can mash the bananas before adding them.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time allows the bread to firm up, making it easier to slice neatly.Once cooled, the bread can be sliced and served. Enjoy it plain, or with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Notes
Putting Your Own Twist on a Classic
While Helen’s Rich Banana Bread is delicious on its own, there are many ways you can customize it to suit your tastes:- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: For a sweet and indulgent twist, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter. Chocolate chips melt during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bread.
- Berry Banana Bread: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. The berries add a burst of fruitiness and color to the bread.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, or ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice, to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor. This variation is perfect for fall or winter baking.
- Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free banana bread, simply omit the walnuts. You can also substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture.
- Vegan Banana Bread: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use non-dairy sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute.