Moist Buttermilk Banana Bread Recipe with a Twist
Hark! I bid thee welcome, dear reader, to a recipe that is sure to tingle your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. Listen closely as I unveil a Southern-style Buttermilk Banana Bread recipe that will leave you begging for seconds.
Allow me to set the scene for what lies ahead. Imagine a warm slice of banana bread straight out of the oven, with crispy crust and a moist, fluffy center. Picture the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home as your senses come alive.
In this recipe, we bring together the goodness of ripe bananas, the richness of buttermilk, and the crunch of pecans to create a mouth-watering delicacy that will tantalize your taste buds like nothing before.
So why settle for anything less than excellence when you can have the best? Follow me, fair reader, as I reveal the secrets of this delectable Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, my dear friends, pray lend me your ears,
For I shall tell of a recipe to bring us cheers!
A Southern buttermilk banana bread to delight your tongue,
That will leave you singing and dancing, let it be sung!
Why should you love this dish, you may ask?
It’s simple my darlings, let me take you to task:
Firstly, it’s moist and flavorful with bananas mashed,
And buttermilk that gives a tanginess with no strings attached.
Secondly, it’s an easy recipe with simple ingredients galore,
Bananas, eggs, sugar, flour — nothing more!
With baking powder and soda for that perfect rise,
And pecans if you wish or a sprinkle of powdered spice.
Thirdly, it’s versatile for any time of day or night!
As an afternoon tea snack or breakfast bite so bright.
Serve with butter and jam or scoop of ice cream on top.
And feel the comfort of Southern hospitality never to stop.
Ah, my dear friends do not resist the temptation,
Come bake my delectable Southern buttermilk banana sensation!
For a quick fix for those ripe bananas on your counter top.
This recipe is one that can surely never floppeth.
Ingredient List
Before we start, let’s make sure we have what we need to create the best Buttermilk Banana Bread recipe ever. So, grab your apron and let’s go through the ingredient list together!
Ingredients 1x:
- 2 cups of purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ a teaspoon of salt
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened (1/2 a cup)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3 ripe bananas mashed with a fork (about 1 cup)
- ½ a cup of buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Ingredients 2x:
- 4 cups of purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 6 ripe bananas mashed with a fork (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Ingredients 3x:
- 6 cups purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 teaspoons baking soda :warning:
- 1 and a half teaspoons salt :warning:
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (1 and a half cups) :warning:
- 3 cups granulated sugar :warning:
- 6 large eggs beaten
- 9 ripe bananas mashed with a fork
(about 4 and a half cups) :warning: - 1 and a half cups buttermilk :warning:
- six teaspoons vanilla extract
Adjusting Ingredient Amounts
This recipe can be scaled up or down depending on how many loaves you want to make. If you decide to make a smaller or larger loaf, simply adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly.
Also, take note of the indicated warnings above, as they are specific to the 3x multiplier of the recipe ingredients.
Let’s move on to the How-To section where we bring these ingredients together and make some mouth-watering Buttermilk Banana Bread!
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get our hands dirty and bake some delicious Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread. This recipe requires a few steps, but they are simple and the result is worth it!
Gather Your Ingredients
First things first! Make sure you have all the ingredients needed for this moist banana cake. As mentioned above in the ingredient list, all you’ll need are:
- 2 cups of mashed ripe bananas
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of shortening
- 2 cups of sugar
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
Preparing the Wet Ingredients
Firstly, let’s prepare the wet ingredients. In a mixing bowl, add the butter, shortening and sugar. Mix them together until it becomes creamy and fluffy.
Next, add the beaten eggs into the mixture. Stir them properly until they mix well with the butter mixture.
After that has been combined properly, add in the mashed ripe bananas and buttermilk carefully into the mixing bowl.
Continue to mix everything but don’t overdo it.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, take flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix these dry products thoroughly so that they blend with each other nicely.
Now take both wet and dry mixtures and slowly incorporate them together with a spatula. Make sure not to OVERMIX because it will make your bread chewy.
Stir until all lumps are gone but always be careful not to overmix it as advised.
Baking
After mixing in the dry ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour your loaf pan properly.
Next, pour the banana bread mixture into the pan in a uniform manner. If you want to have that extra crunch and nutty flavor, add some chopped pecans on top of the mixture.
Put the pan in the oven and bake it for approximately 65-70 minutes. However, if you are using a fan-forced oven, it might take less time so keep an eye on it!
Check the cake around 60 minutes as everyone’s oven is unique. Poke a toothpick deep into the center of the bread, and pull it back out. If there is no batter sticking onto the toothpick, then it is ready.
Cooling
Once out of the oven, let the buttermilk banana bread cool down on a rack for about 10-15 minutes.
After it cools down to almost room temperature, turn your delicious loaf of bread onto a plate or wire rack for serving.
Enjoy!
Now that you
Substitutions and Variations
Hark! If thou be not inclined to stick entirely to this Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread Recipe, fear not! There are substitutions and variations that shall still bless thy taste buds with the divine delight of bread!
Worried about flour choices? Thou canst use white flour instead of cake flour or vice versa. It shall still turn out splendidly! Nay, if thou have only purpose flour available in thy humble abode, then by all means use that instead.
If thou hast not buttermilk on hand, though I do recommend it for its tangy goodness, fear not! Milk with vinegar added at a ratio of one tablespoon vinegar per one cup milk shall serve thee well. Alternatively, yogurt, sour cream, or apple cider vinegar may be used in place of buttermilk.
Perhaps thou art allergic to pecans or just dost not like them? Substitute them with other nuts such as chopped walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch and depth of flavor.
Moreover, ripe bananas are critical for this recipe as they add both sweetness and moisture. But suppose you have no ripe bananas at home. In that case, fear not! Placing the banana in its peel in the oven for 15 minutes at 300°F shall do the trick to ripen it instantly.
And if thee be adventurous and wishes to go beyond making just banana bread, try substituting some of the mashed banana with applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different type of fruit-inspired loaf of bread. Or go wild and add chocolate chips or dried berries into your dough!
Verily, these substitutions and variations will still create a wonderful loaf of bread that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters among us.
Serving and Pairing
To elevate the flavors of your buttermilk banana bread, serve it warm and pair it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The coolness of these toppings will complement the warmth and softness of the bread.
Another great pairing for this southern classic is a nice cup of coffee, tea or even a cold glass of milk. The sweetness and tanginess of the bread will balance perfectly with the bold flavors of coffee or tea.
For breakfast, try serving this delicious bread toasted and spread with a pat of butter. It is also great to pack for work, school lunches or a picnic in the park. Sliced pieces can be individually wrapped in parchment paper, plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in an airtight container for easy transport.
As far as presentation goes, you can be as creative as you like. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing will give your banana bread an elegant look. You could also top it off with pecans, walnuts or almond slices for added texture and taste.
Whether served on its own, paired with a beverage or adorned with toppings, this southern buttermilk banana bread recipe is sure to make you feel right at home.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark! Once thou hast created the masterpiece that is thy Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread, it may remain marvelous for days yet to come. Thou mayest store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil to keep its moisture and freshness intact.
If thou wishest to prepare ahead of time, thou canst also freeze the bread. Ensure that it has fully cooled down before wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to devour anew, allow it to thaw at room temperature before reheating for the best taste.
To reheat, thou canst either warm slices of banana bread wrapped in cloth or foil in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F, or thou canst remove the wrap and heat them briefly in a microwave.
Hark! The bread will still be tender, moist and flavorful after reheating. It shall be difficult to resist the aroma henceforth filling thy abode once again.
Tips for Perfect Results
Ah, the joy of baking. There’s nothing quite like taking the time to mix and stir and smell the delicious aroma of a freshly baked loaf of Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread. I have been baking this bread for years, and I have learned some tips along the way that ensure perfection every time. Here are my top tips for making the best Buttermilk Banana Bread.
One of the most important things is to make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin mixing them. This includes the eggs, butter, shortening, and buttermilk. When these ingredients are at room temperature, they will blend smoothly, resulting in a finer crumb and softer texture to your bread.
Mashing the bananas correctly is essential. The easy way out is just to simply throw them in a bowl and mash them with a fork; You’ll end up with lumps that way. What I suggest is mashing them in a food processor or blender first, leaving you with a smooth mixture that will integrate into your batter seamlessly.
It’s always important to remember not to overmix the batter if you want moist banana cake. Mix until everything is well combined but still slightly lumpy. Overmixing tends to result in tough bread with tunnels running through it.
Don’t forget about leavening! Many banana bread recipes include both baking powder and baking soda as leaveners. It is essential to understand that baking powder reacts once exposed to liquid, while baking soda starts reacting straight away after combined with acid parts (such as yogurt or buttermilk). The key here is to mix in both of these components evenly throughout your flour before adding other wet ingredients.
Lastly, I often add chopped pecans for some crunch and variation which gives a perfect crunchy lift against the moist interior of this flavorful bread; it also provides an aesthetic look to your composition by providing some texture contrast.
With these tips in mind, you will be on your way to baking the perfect Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread.
Bottom Line
Therefore, I strongly urge you all to try this Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread recipe. With its delicious blend of ripe bananas, buttermilk, and crunchy pecans, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. This simple yet elegant recipe can be customized to your taste preferences, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. So, do not hesitate, gather the ingredients gathered and start baking right away! Trust me; you won’t regret it. Nothing is more pleasing than the smell of fresh banana bread wafting through your kitchen, a treat that your family will adore. With its versatile and quick-to-make recipe, it’s an excellent choice for that morning breakfast or as a snack on the go. So give yourself a treat with this delicious Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread recipe and equip yo0urself with a new recipe to surprise everyone on any occasion!
Southern Buttermilk Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 4 cups mashed bananas (8-10 large ripe ones)
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 cup regular white flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Spray three loaf pans.
- Cream together sugar, butter and shortening. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing. Add bananas and mix well.
- Sift together flours, baking soda, salt and baking powder.
- Gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry things. Use a light hand, mixing just enough to mix each time.
- Fold in nuts if using.
- Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Turn onto racks on their sides to cool completely.