Banana Bread

It's a staple and it's delicious. Perfect for a potluck or if you just have some rotting bananas!

What makes this banana bread good?

The texture: This is the classic moist and not too dense loaf cake. Adding yogurt makes a stronger reaction with baking soda, so it's a little airier and still moist! (there's more on this reaction in my muffins post)

The crust: I know in banana bread people usually use all brown sugar, but when you add primarily white sugar, there is a stronger crust around the outside.

The FLAVOR: Using brown butter is an essential part of this recipe. Not only does it reduce after you melt it down, but the carmelized milk solids make it extra nutty and rich (there's more on brown butter in my chocolate chip cookie recipe). Adding cinnamon is optional but adds to the cozy, comfy taste. Personally, I don't add mix-ins to my banana bread, but you are welcome to!

---

Dietary Information

This recipe is vegetarian

---

Banana Bread

15 minutes active time

50-60mins baking

Ingredients

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing tin

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/3 cup brown sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1/4 cup greek yogurt

- 1 tsp vanilla

- 3 bananas, mashed

- 2 cups all purpose flour

- 1 tsp cinnamon

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Rub the inside of a 9"x5" tin with a pad of butter, making sure to grease the corners and sides. Line with a parchment sheet so it's easy to take out once baked.

2. Add 1/2 cup butter to a small pot and put over medium heat on the stove. Melt completely, swirling the pan frequently. After about 3 minutes you will start to smell the butter and notice the bottom of the pan is covered in brown flecks. This is a great sign! Keep the butter on the heat for another 2 minutes, then put in a separate bowl to cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar and brown butter. Whisk until combined. Crack in 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup greek yogurt, and 1 tsp vanilla. Whisk again until smooth. Add in 3 mashed bananas and mix again.

4. Add the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl: 2 cups all purpose flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Use a spatula and fold in the dry ingredients until there are no streaks of flour. If using, mix in 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until a toothpick comes out cleanly and the loaf is a deep brown.

5. Cool in the pan 5 minutes, then on a cooling rack for 10 before slicing. Enjoy right away or save for later

6. To fry banana bread: Heat a skillet on medium-high heat on the stove. Slice banana bread into 3/4 inch thickness. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp butter and heat. Add banana bread and sear for 3-4 minutes each side until golden. Serve warm with butter and jam!