Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Banana Bread. Again. and again. and again!

We could eat it every day. We love banana bread. It's just one of those things in my family what we can all agree on. Doesn't happen often. So I am always looking for good banana bread recipes. Just to change things up sometimes. Light. Cakey. Dense. Moist. Dry. We like it dense, but moist, and not like a cake. A heavy, thick bread, with nuts and lots of banana taste. But not dry. I know people have their favorites and we do, too! The one from Pillsbury I found years ago, was terrific, the one from a cooking forum, also great. The last one I actually made way more than a few times, from the Brass Sisters Heirloom Baking book, was EXCELLENT! but I always look to see if there is something else. Something that makes us say WOW this is so good! The one with chocolate chips didn't. Nor did the one with coconut. I've added rum. Vegetable oil. Sour cream. Butter. Melted butter.

This time I tried a recipe from Simply Recipes. Basic, easy and the picture looked just like what we'd want a slice of banana bread to look like. So I made a loaf this morning! I changed the original a little bit. I used brown sugar and added walnuts. And I was careful not to over-bake it. Or under-bake it for that matter! And on this gorgeous Autumn day in New York, we were not disappointed. At all. And my house smelled so good!



This was moist and dense. Just like the way we love banana bread. Our new favorite! Pretty much perfect!




Banana Bread
Source: original recipe can be found at the blog, Simply Recipes
adapted There's Always Thyme to Cook
Printable Recipe

4 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup toasted walnut pieces (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

With a wooden spoon, mix the butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Mix in the walnuts, if using. Add the flour and mix well. Pour into a buttered loaf pan and bake for about an hour. Remove from oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan. Slice and serve.



24 comments:

  1. Mmm I could just smell it. I love banana bread too. There's nothing like it to make the house smell wonderful and say 'welcome home' after a long day.

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  2. Yes, I know what you mean regarding the texture of the bread. And it is good that you experiment.
    As they say practice makes perfect. It looks like a big hit in your family.

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  3. This sounds so good! The recipe I have calls for Crisco, I'm trying to change that out, think I'll try this one-thanks:@)

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  4. You are so right! You can never have enough banana bread!

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  5. Isn't banana bread just about the best?! I always use my mom's recipe that's about 100 years old.

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  6. It does look like the perfect loaf - you better watch out you are going to ruin your potholder burning reputation with all these perfect looking recipes, LOL!

    I know walnuts are healthier but I bet it would taste good with pecans too - I agree with your brown sugar substitution as it always gives just a little flavor boost. Need to buy some bananas and try this one.

    Great photos!

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  7. Looks good! I have some brown bananas waiting.

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  8. Thanks for the nice comments :)

    Lea Ann, wow, a hundred years, I would love to see your recipe, if possible!

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  9. I looks delicious, Carol! Your requirements sound much like the ones I have for a good banana bread. That reminds me, I need to thaw out another pumpkin banana muffin to have with my coffee this morning :)

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  10. I like moist, dense banana bread, as well. Nothing worse than dry bread.... Ick I always add nuts to everything. I'm trying this recipe soon. Gotta buy bananas. :-)

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  11. Looks delicious. I have my bananas in the freezer for smoothies. I'm wondering if they would be ok for bread?

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  12. I think frozen would be fine. They get all mashed up anyway! I freeze banana's, too!

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  13. I am the same.. I do love banana bread. It tastes great! I could smell yours from over here. Great recipe. My hubby would love it because he loves bananas so much but hey.. who doesn't?

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  14. Eat banana bread everyday? Abbey and John can :) I always feel right a home stopping by your place!

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  15. Your photo is amazing. I can practically smell the bread through my laptop...... yum

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  16. oh this looks so yummy!!

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  17. Always looking for a new, fresh BB recipe. Thanks!

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  18. I love banana bread. This looks amazing!! Beautiful photos.

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  19. I hear you! I could make and eat this daily too! I just wish I could keep bananas around long enough! I have to hide them if I want to make something with them. Great recipe! Thanks!

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  20. I have to try with toasted walnuts, never done this before. This is a great and simple recipe! I should try not to over bake mine.

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  21. Your banana bread looks yummy! If you're looking for other moist banana bread recipes you should try these out: http://www.recipelion.com/Quick-Bread-Recipes/10-Moist-Banana-Bread-Recipes-And-Baking-Tips

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  22. Love banana bread - tried your other recipe which I thought was delicious - now I'll try this one!!

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  23. I LOVE banana bread...I could eat it morning, noon and night!!! There's just something about its moistness...a comfort food for me! I put chocolate chips in mine...mmmm...good! Love your site!

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  24. I am definately going to try this recipe! I used to make banana bread quite often but haven't made it in at least three years... I need to start baking again!

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