Sandra's Banana Bread Recipe
Discover Sandra's easy and delicious banana bread recipe. This healthy treat has just the right amount of sweetness, making it perfect for dessert or a snack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Sandra's Simple and Delicious Banana Bread Recipe
Looking for a simple and delicious banana bread recipe? Look no further! Sandra's banana bread is not only easy to make but also a healthy treat that everyone will love. With just the right amount of sweetness, this banana bread is perfect for dessert or a snack.
Try Sandra's simple and tasty banana bread recipe. This wholesome treat has the perfect balance of sweetness, making it ideal for both dessert and a snack.
Origin of the Dish
Banana bread is a type of cake made from very ripe mashed bananas. This recipe originated in the United States in the 1870s, and it took a while for bananas to appear as ingredient items for desserts. By definition, banana bread is a quick bread because it does not contain yeast but does contain baking powder. However, culinary experts claim that it is more of a cake than a bread due to its high sugar content.
When is Banana Bread Typically Served?
Banana bread is typically eaten as a dessert. However, it is also consumed by many people as an in-between snack paired with your preferred juice. This dessert is also typically served during special occasions like birthdays and Christmas. It is also sold in canteens since it has been a loved snack by most kids and even adults.
Kitchen Utensils You Need
You will need the following kitchen utensils to make or bake banana bread:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Microwave oven
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Fork (used to smash bananas)
Banana Bread’s Primary Ingredients – Bananas
From the name itself, banana bread's primary ingredient is bananas, particularly very ripe ones. If you are planning on making banana bread, its ingredients would not be a problem since bananas are very much available in almost all places because it is one of the most popular fruits in the world. You can buy them in supermarkets, convenience stores, and malls. Banana bread is indeed beneficial to one's health because of the nutrients that bananas contain. They boost digestive and heart health due to their fiber and antioxidant content. Bananas are also rich in potassium, fiber, and natural sugars.
Interesting Facts
- Today, bananas are the most consumed fruits in the United States, with over 90% of households in the US buying bananas at least once a month.
- The very first banana bread recipe appeared in Pillsbury’s Balanced Recipes cookbook.
- Banana bread became popular when rising agents like baking powder and baking soda were invented.
- During the Great Depression, banana bread became a popular recipe as it was a way to use overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste.
- National Banana Bread Day is celebrated on February 23rd each year in the United States.
- There are many variations of banana bread, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar versions, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.
- Banana bread can be traced back to the early 18th century, but it gained widespread popularity in American cookbooks in the 1930s.
By including these additional facts, you can provide a more comprehensive and engaging overview of banana bread for your readers.
Tips and Tricks When Making Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas when baking banana bread. Ideally, look for bananas with brown spots on the skin for the best flavor and sweetness.
- If your banana bread is a bit dry after baking, you can add a coat of simple syrup to the top to make it a bit moist.
- Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can make the bread dense and tough.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Walnuts, pecans, and chocolate chips are popular choices.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a better rise.
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. This will also prevent the bread from sticking to the pan.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Let the banana bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Store banana bread properly by wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist.
- Freeze leftover banana bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag; it can last up to 3 months.
By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious and moist banana bread that everyone will love. Enjoy this healthy and tasty treat!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (preferably slightly speckled with brown spots)
- 1 stick of margarine or butter
- 1 1/4 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (Optional)
Directions
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Let butter soften slightly. Cream butter. Add sugar and eggs to butter and mix. Add sifted flour and mashed bananas alternating those 2 ingredients when adding.
Prepare loaf pan using butter and dusting with flour or use parchment paper.
If desired, two loaves can be made at one time.
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Then add baking soda, salt and vanilla. Add nuts last, if desired.
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After mixing all ingredients, transfer the mixture in a loaf pan. We recommend dusting the loaf pan with butter and flour to avoid sticking.
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Preheat oven to 350°. Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in the middle of loaf comes out clean.
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Slice banana bread after cooling it down for about 30 minutes.
Banana bread is one of the simplest and easiest types of bread to make. You can start baking it at home anytime. Begin with the basic ingredients, and once you've mastered the recipe, you can experiment by adding more ingredients to enhance the flavor and make it more inviting. Consider topping it with cashews or adding chocolate chips to the recipe. Impress your loved ones with this super easy and delicious recipe. Your kids are sure to love it!
By following Sandra's simple and tasty banana bread recipe, you can create a wholesome treat that is perfect for both dessert and a snack. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful banana bread with your family and friends!