Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than Paula Deen's legendary banana bread! This recipe is a classic for a reason – it's moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to experience the ultimate in easy recipes and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!).
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier bread.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but it’s doable by hand with a little elbow grease. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Step 5: Bananas and Nuts
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and nuts (if using). The gentle folding helps maintain the air incorporated in the batter, contributing to a lighter texture.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Those with brown spots are ideal!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool completely: This allows the bread to set and makes for easier slicing.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the bananas and nuts.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread: Swirl a mixture of softened cream cheese and sugar into the batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
This delicious banana bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. It's a versatile and crowd-pleasing quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!