No Fail Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed until smooth with a little texture)
• 220 g all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 8 g baking powder
• 1 g baking soda
• 2.5 g table salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)
• 75 g butter (softened)
• 65 g brown sugar
• 65 g granulated sugar
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for complex flavor)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease an 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 inch bread pan.

2. 2

   In a bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas until smooth but with a little texture remaining. Set aside.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 220g all-purpose flour, 8g baking powder, 1g baking soda, 2.5g table salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.

4. 4

   In another bowl, cream the 75g softened butter, 65g brown sugar, and 65g granulated sugar using an electric beater for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

5. 5

   Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. If using vanilla extract, add it during this stage.

6. 6

   Set the electric beater to LOW. Add 1/3 of the dry ingredient mixture and 1/2 of the mashed bananas to the butter and egg mixture. Beat until just incorporated.

7. 7

   Repeat the additions of dry ingredients and bananas, alternating until everything is combined. Do not over-beat the batter to ensure the bread remains tender.

8. 8

   Pour the batter into the greased bread pan and smooth the top.

9. 9

   Bake at 350°F (176°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. Check for doneness at the 40-minute mark by inserting a wooden pick into the center; it should come out clean.

10. 10

    Remove from the oven and let the bread cool completely in the pan before cutting into it.

Notes

Tips for success: Use an external oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a smoother incorporation into the batter. Cooling completely is essential for the structure of the bread.

Nutrition per serving

• banana bread
• baking
• breakfast
• snack
• dessert
• vegetarian