Epic Banana Bread

Epic Banana Bread Recipe from USA | Ingredients: Flour, Eggs, Butter, Bananas

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 2 loaves

Introduction

Banana bread is a classic and beloved baked good that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. This recipe for Epic Banana Bread is sure to become a favorite in your household with its moist and flavorful texture.

History

Banana bread has been a popular recipe in American households since the 1930s. It gained popularity during the Great Depression when resourceful home cooks found ways to use overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. The addition of bananas to bread recipes creates a moist and sweet loaf that is perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 cup butter or margarine
1.5 cups granulated sugar
0.5 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
4 tbsp sour cream
4 - 6 ripe bananas

How to prepare

Measure all ingredients and ensure accurate measurements.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease the bottom of two loaf pans. Cut out wax paper to fit the bottom of each pan and line them with the wax paper.
Mash the bananas with a fork and set them aside for later.
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this bowl aside for later.
Using an electric mixer, cream together the margarine, sugar, and salt until well mixed.
Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
Beat in the mashed bananas.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in the sifted flour mixture just until combined.
Pour the batter into the loaf pans, filling each pan about 0.67 full. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no batter is wasted.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When placing the pans in the oven, ensure they are not touching each other or the sides of the oven. If using two oven racks, stagger the pans.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Swirl in a cinnamon sugar mixture for a spiced version of banana bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.

- Don't overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a tough loaf.

- Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Epic Banana Bread warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.

- Cream the margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy for a tender crumb.

- Bake the banana bread in a preheated oven for even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine.

- Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream.

- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This banana bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the banana bread and arrange it on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze for an extra touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy a slice of this Epic Banana Bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or toast it in a toaster oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Epic Banana Bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Epic Banana Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Epic Banana Bread contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Epic Banana Bread contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat.

Summary

This Epic Banana Bread is a delicious treat that is relatively low in protein and fats, but higher in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially potassium and vitamin C.

Summary

This Epic Banana Bread is a delicious and moist treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Epic Banana Bread. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town. Our neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, was known for her amazing baking skills, and one day she invited me over to learn how to make her famous banana bread.

I walked into Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen and was immediately greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked bread. I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a batch of banana bread, using only the simplest of ingredients - ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and a touch of cinnamon. As she worked, she shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to making the perfect banana bread was to use ripe bananas that were slightly overripe, as they would add a natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. She also stressed the importance of not overmixing the batter, as this could result in a tough and dense loaf.

I listened intently as Mrs. Jenkins shared her tips and tricks for making the perfect banana bread, taking mental notes of every step along the way. When the bread was finally ready, she cut me a thick slice and handed it to me, still warm from the oven. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of sweet, moist, and flavorful goodness.

From that day on, I was hooked. I made Mrs. Jenkins' banana bread recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a handful of walnuts for crunch, a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor, and a sprinkle of brown sugar on top for a sweet and crunchy crust.

Over the years, I shared my banana bread with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. They begged me for the recipe, but I kept it close to my heart, a secret passed down from Mrs. Jenkins to me.

As time went on, I continued to experiment with different variations of banana bread, adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and even a dollop of creamy peanut butter. Each loaf was a labor of love, a tribute to the recipe that had started it all.

And so, the recipe for Epic Banana Bread became a staple in my kitchen, a comfort food that brought joy and warmth to all who tasted it. I never forgot the day I learned how to make it, and I was forever grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for sharing her knowledge and passion with me.

As I sit here now, baking a fresh batch of banana bread for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen. The recipe may have started with her, but it has become a part of me, a legacy that I will pass down to future generations.

And so, I continue to bake my Epic Banana Bread, each loaf a reminder of the love and tradition that will forever live on in my family. Mrs. Jenkins may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every bite of this delicious bread. And for that, I am eternally grateful.