Are you tired of the same old banana bread? Ready to elevate your baking game with a recipe that's both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy? Then get ready to discover the magic of yeast-leavened banana bread! This recipe takes the classic comfort food and transforms it into a luxuriously textured loaf with a delightful, airy crumb. Forget everything you thought you knew about banana bread—this one's a game-changer. It's the perfect blend of easy recipes and healthy meals, ideal for a quick dinner or a delightful weekend treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (around 105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. This simple step is key to achieving that light and airy texture we're aiming for.
Mixing the Batter:
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Whisk in the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Don't overmix at this stage.
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Add the mashed bananas and stir until just incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and 3 cups of flour.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf.
Baking the Bread:
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Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
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Let the batter rise in a warm place for about 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size. This is where the yeast really works its magic, creating a beautiful, airy crumb.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Baking the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely prevents it from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be delicious additions.
- Add chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness.
- Spice it up: A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
- Use different types of flour: Experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This yeast-leavened banana bread is a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. It's a simple recipe that yields amazing results, making it a perfect addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes. Enjoy!