Best Banana Bread Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
12 slices
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Calories
323 kcal
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Course
Bread
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Cuisine
International
Best Banana Bread Recipe
Description
Best Banana Bread Recipe uses mashed overripe bananas combined with a mix of dry ingredients including toasted walnuts, brown sugar, and baking soda. Yogurt and melted butter add moisture and richness, while eggs provide structure. Vanilla extract and optional rum impart depth of flavor.
The batter is thick and chunky, which bakes into a moist bread with a golden crust. Toasting the walnuts enhances their nutty aroma, adding texture to the soft bread. Baking in a loaf pan helps create even cooking.
After baking, the bread is allowed a brief rest in the pan before slicing. It can be served warm for a comforting snack or alongside breakfast items. The balance of sweetness from the bananas and sugar complements the crunch of walnuts. The yogurt adds moistness without heaviness.
Following the recipe temperature and baking time ensures the center cooks through without drying. Using ripe bananas and toasting nuts ahead contributes to the overall flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups walnuts coarsely chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 banana mashed, large, overripe
- 1/4 cup whole milk yogurt plain
- 2 large egg beaten lightly
- 6 tablespoons butter melted, plus more for greasing, unsalted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons rum optional (Captain Morgan brand)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch (23x12 cm) loaf pan. Add the walnuts to a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven until fragrant, about 5 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, walnuts, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla. If using, add the rum.
- Lightly fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing just until combined. The batter should be thick and chunky. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake the banana bread until the surface is golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, remove it from the loaf pan, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Toast walnuts in the oven until fragrant to enhance their flavor before adding to the batter.
- Optionally include rum for a subtle depth in taste.
- This recipe is adapted from Cook's Illustrated, reflecting tested proportions.
- Serve the banana bread warm for the best texture and taste experience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 323 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 12slices | |
| Calories | 323kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 186mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 228mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 22g | 44% |
| Vitamin A | 247IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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