You need about four ripe bananaspreferably with brown spots. This provides a strong, natural sweetness.
Cup Butter:
Soften half a cup butter for easy mixing.
Cup Sugar:
You can use white sugar or brown sugar. If you like a bit of caramel-like tastego with brown sugar.
Sugar 2 Eggs:
Crack two large eggsmixing them with the sugar to add moisture and help bind the batter.
Flour 1 tsp Baking Soda:
Measure two cups of flourand include 1 tsp baking soda for leavening. Add 1 tsp salt if you wish to balance the sweetness.
Nuts:
A half cup of chopped pecan or walnut pieces can give the bread a crunchy element.
Flavor Boosters:
A dash of tsp cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla can enhance aroma. If you want a tangy anglefold in sour cream or buttermilk.
Optional Mix-Ins:
Chocolate chipsa cream cheese swirl, or a small pinch of nutmeg could add personality to your loaf.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven:
Warm the oven to around 350°F. This temperature sets the stage for a golden crust. If you enjoy easybaking, a consistent oven temperature is key.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine half a cup butter with one cup sugar until fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon. This step helps lock in air, making the final product super moist.
Add Eggs and Bananas:
Crack sugar 2 eggs into the bowl, and blend lightly. Next, mash four ripe bananas in a separate dish. Stir them into your main bowl until well mixed.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
Sift two cups of flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and tsp salt (if using) in a separate bowl. This process eliminates lumps. Then, gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Resist the urge to overmix—doing so can toughen the bread.
Enhance Flavor:
At this point, you can stir in a pinch of tsp cinnamon or 1 tsp vanilla for a warm, sweet aroma. If you prefer loaded banana bread, fold in extras like chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
Add Nuts:
Gently incorporate chopped pecan or walnut pieces. This banana nut bread recipe Paula Deen introduced often highlights the crunchy texture. Adjust the nut quantity as you like.
Bake:
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Place it on the center rack and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you enjoy muffins, divide the batter into a muffin tin and reduce baking time slightly.
Cool and Slice:
Let the finished loaf rest in the pan for around 10 minutes. Then, turn it onto a wire rack to cool fully before slicing.