banana bread
I have taken this recipe through many adaptations over the years, and this is its current state. Who knows, I may change things further as my tastes and pantry levels change in the future, but for now please enjoy this version. It is a reasonably hardy recipe, and can withstand some recipe substitutions like dairy vs non-dairy milks, or a fully white flour version (not full wholemeal). However, special care to mix until just combined is the key step to making sure your banana bread has a soft, springy texture.
Ingredients
100g butter, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 egg
1 cup white flour
1 cup wholemeal flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup mashed banana (2-3 bananas)
1/2 cup milk (non-dairy almond or oat also works well)
1 cup total of ‘add-ins’ (chopped chocolate, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chopped dates etc… whatever takes your fancy)
MethoD
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F).
In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar, and beat them together until the mixture turns pale, and attains a fluffy consistency.
Gradually introduce the eggs one by one into the mixture, making sure to beat well after each addition.
In another bowl, sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon together to create a dry mixture.
Incorporate the mashed banana and the dry flour mixture alternately into the butter mixture. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
Carefully fold in your chosen ‘add-ins’, taking care not to overmix the batter.
Transfer the batter into a loaf tin that has been lined with parchment paper.
Place the tin in the center of the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it – the bread should turn golden on top and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
After baking, allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently turning it out onto a wire rack to cool down.
You can enjoy the banana bread while it's still warm, especially if you love gooey, melty chocolate. Alternatively, you can exercise some self-restraint and wait for it to cool down. The choice is yours!