Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 254 g all-purpose flour
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 100 g light brown sugar
• 0.75 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp fine salt
• 340 g overripe bananas (Mashed; from about 3 large bananas.)
• 60 g plain yogurt or sour cream (Use plain yogurt or sour cream.)
• 2 large eggs (Lightly beaten.)
• 42 g unsalted butter (Melted.)
• 44 g vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 142 g toasted walnuts (Coarsely chopped; optional. Use instead of chocolate chips.)
• 170 g chocolate chips (Optional alternative to the walnuts; use instead of walnuts.)

Steps

1. 1

   Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 176°C (about 350°F). Generously grease a 23 × 13 cm (9 × 5-inch) loaf pan.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and fine salt. Break up any lumps in the brown sugar so the dry mixture is evenly combined.

3. 3

   In a separate medium bowl, add the mashed overripe bananas, plain yogurt or sour cream, lightly beaten eggs, melted unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

4. 4

   Stir the banana mixture until the wet ingredients are evenly blended and the eggs are fully incorporated.

5. 5

   Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula just until no large streaks of dry flour remain. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable.

6. 6

   If using a mix-in, gently fold in either the coarsely chopped toasted walnuts or the chocolate chips, taking care not to overwork the batter.

7. 7

   Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer, smoothing the top.

8. 8

   Bake for about 55–65 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For a temperature check, the center should register 200–205°F (93–96°C) on a digital thermometer.

9. 9

   Place the pan on a cooling rack and let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and transfer it to the rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

The walnuts and chocolate chips are alternatives, not additions to be used together. Avoid overmixing after combining the wet and dry ingredients, or the loaf may become dense. Let the bread cool completely for the cleanest slices.

Nutrition per serving

• bread
• quick bread
• dessert
• baked
• American
• vegetarian
• make-ahead
• banana