Delicious Banana Bread Recipe for a Perfect Breakfast Treat!
It is with great pleasure that I present to you my southern-style banana bread recipe – a classic dessert that everyone loves. There is something about the perfectly moist and flavorful banana bread that transports me to the cozy memories of my childhood. This recipe is an ode to traditional southern baking, a celebration of ripe bananas, and the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee.
If you’re looking for an easy and fail-proof recipe that will transport your taste buds to another world, then this Southern-style banana bread is just what you need. The ingredients are simple and easily available from your local grocery store, and it takes only a few minutes to prepare. Trust me; this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire in no time.
Why settle for store-bought banana bread when you can make homemade goodness with minimal effort? A slice of freshly made banana bread still warm and gooey from the oven is guaranteed to brighten up your day. Share it with loved ones, co-workers or keep it all for yourself; either way, you won’t regret treating yourself to this indulgent delicacy.
So let’s get started! Gather up all the ingredients, preheat your oven and let’s bake some southern-style banana bread that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear readers, let me convince you to try this extraordinary Southern Style Banana Bread recipe that will leave you craving for more.
Firstly, there is nothing more satisfying than biting into the moist and fragrant texture of this banana bread, making it an irresistible treat for both breakfast and dessert. Secondly, the warm aroma of cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and vanilla extract will fill your kitchen with the most welcoming fragrance, reminding you of your grandmother’s old-fashioned recipes.
Furthermore, apart from being mouth-watering, this recipe is straightforward to follow and requires easily available ingredients. Simply mix the bananas mashed to perfection with all-purpose flour sifted four times, salted butter softened till creamy in texture, sugar granulated to add sweetness, eggs large enough to bind effortlessly and a teaspoon each of baking soda and vanilla extract.
To add more depth of flavor and texture to your banana bread experience, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) into the batter before baking. Trust me; it’s worth it!
Lastly, if you have ripe bananas at home that you do not want to waste, this is the perfect recipe for you. This banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The banana bread may even taste better on the second day when cold temperatures allow the moisture and flavors to meld together.
In conclusion, there are countless reasons why you will fall in love with this Southern Style Banana Bread Recipe. It is easy to prepare and indulgent enough to become your staple sweet fix whenever you crave one. So take a chance and see how delicious homemade banana bread can make your everyday life moments feel sweeter!
Ingredient List
For the most heavenly banana bread experience, you will need to prepare the following ingredients and make way for some goodness in your kitchen:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (or 1 stick) of salted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas), mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The above recipe ingredients list can yield a traditional yet uniquely satisfying banana bread recipe that you will want to bake over and over again.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredient list, it is time to get started with making the banana bread. Follow these steps closely and soon enough, you will have a perfectly moist, sweet and flavorful banana bread that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare the pan
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust flour inside it. Don’t skip this step, or else the batter might stick on the pan.
Step 3: Mash ripe bananas
Peel 2 large ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream butter and sugar
In a separate bowl, cream 1 cup of salted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 5: Add eggs and vanilla
Mix in 2 large eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl in between. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract as well.
Step 6: Combine dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Step 7: Make batter
Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing slowly until well-combined. Next, fold in mashed bananas until just combined. Don’t overmix or else your bread will be dense!
Step 8: Bake!
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan then smoothen the surface with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean when tested on the center of the loaf. Remove from oven, let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack to completely cool.
Serving suggestions:
This bread is perfect for breakfast, snack or dessert. Serve it with a dollop of butter or whipped cream on top for extra indulgence!
Congratulations on making your own delicious banana bread!
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, the delightful versatility of Southern-style banana bread! Though this classic recipe is perfect as it is, you may want to switch things up from time to time. And I, your humble chef, am here to offer some interesting substitutions and variations that will add new dimensions to this vintage recipe.
Let’s start with the ingredients. If you have a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can replace the salted butter with vegan butter, coconut oil or vegetable oil for a healthier and lighter option. Simply melt the butter substitute and use it in place of the melted butter. Also, if you’re not a fan of bananas but still love that moist texture of banana bread, fear not! You can swap the mashed bananas with applesauce or pumpkin puree for an equally delicious result.
For those who prefer their baked goods on the healthy side, you might want to consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrition. You can also reduce the amount of sugar by substituting some of it with honey or maple syrup.
If you’re looking to elevate your banana bread game, adding some mix-ins is a great way to achieve this. Chocolate chips make for a decadent twist on this classic while chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts or almonds) add crunch and texture. You could even go tropical and add shredded coconut flakes.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to experiment with different flavors and textures, try making mini banana bread muffins, adding cinnamon or cardamom for some spice, baking them with vanilla pudding mix for extra moisture or mixing in mashed avocado for a creamier texture.
So experiment away my dear readers – this basic recipe begs for personalization!
Serving and Pairing
The Southern-Style Banana Bread is best served warm, straight out of the oven. Cut a slice, and let the butter melt down its edges in slow-motion, creating pools of decadent goodness. The aroma coming off this bread will be enough to make everyone’s mouths water.
Looking for the perfect pairing for your banana bread? A hot cup of coffee or tea will complement its richness nicely. However, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, pour yourself a glass of cold milk or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coldness will play off the banana’s natural sweetness and elevate the overall flavor experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous and looking to add an extra layer of depth and texture to this classic recipe, try adding chopped walnuts into the batter for a little bit of crunch. Alternatively, swap out the classic white sugar for brown sugar or molasses for a more caramelized taste.
Enjoy your Southern-Style Banana Bread with friends and family at brunch, as dessert or as an anytime snack, served with your favorite beverage to create a delightful experience that will leave everyone begging for seconds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Dear readers,
As a chef who specializes in southern-style cuisine, I understand the importance of being able to enjoy your favorite dishes even when you don’t have the time to prepare them fresh. That’s why I want to share some tips on how to make banana bread ahead of time, store it properly, and reheat it perfectly.
To begin with, let’s talk about making the bread ahead of time. You can save yourself a lot of effort by preparing the batter in advance and keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the batter from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
When it comes to storing your freshly baked banana bread, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keeping it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To do so, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature overnight.
Reheating banana bread is quick and easy! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and wrap your banana bread in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and warm it up for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For a softer texture, you can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
I hope these tips help you enjoy your delicious homemade southern-style banana bread any time you wish!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making southern style banana bread, there are a few tips to ensure that your bread turns out perfectly moist and delicious every time. Here are some suggestions to take your banana bread from good to great.
Firstly, make sure to use very ripe bananas for the best results. Overripe, black-speckled bananas are perfect for making banana bread because they are sweeter and mash more easily. If you have some bananas that have started to turn brown and may not look as appetizing, don’t throw them away! They’re perfect for your banana bread recipe.
Secondly, it’s important not to over-mix your batter. Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough and dry bread or even cause it not to rise properly.
Thirdly, make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This includes eggs and butter. Room temperature butter is easier to mix and helps the sugar dissolve better which leads to a smoother batter.
Fourthly, preheat your oven before you start baking. This allows the temperature to stabilize before you put in your banana bread, leading to consistent results.
Lastly, resist the urge to open the oven while the bread is baking. Opening the oven will release heat and can cause uneven baking or sinking in the middle of your loaf.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your southern style banana bread comes out with a soft and fluffy crumb, full of ripe banana flavor with subtle notes of cinnamon- perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
FAQ
With any recipe, FAQs are bound to arise. Below, I have compiled the most common questions and their corresponding answers to ensure that you not only have a delicious end-product but also a seamless baking experience.
How do you make Paula Deen’s banana bread?
For this recipe, you’ll need some sifted all-purpose flour, a cup of sugar, a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt, four medium ripe bananas, half a cup of melted unsalted butter, two large eggs, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure to mash the bananas until they measure around one and a half cups. Let the melted butter cool before using it.
Why does banana bread taste better the second day?
When it comes to banana bread, the star of the show is undoubtedly the sweet and flavorful bananas. Enhancing their flavor is the key to a delicious loaf. Have you ever noticed that banana bread often tastes even better the day after baking? My theory is that as the bananas lose moisture over time, their sweetness and intensity increase, resulting in a more delectable and enjoyable taste.
Is baking soda or powder better for banana bread?
When preparing banana bread without baking soda, it is important to use a suitable leavening agent to achieve a light and fluffy texture. Although baking powder is the most effective alternative, there are several substitutes that can yield similar results.
Why is my banana bread dry and hard?
Achieving the perfect texture in banana bread hinges on precise measurement of flour, since too much can yield a dry result and too little can make it too moist.
Bottom Line
I hope you enjoyed reading about my recipe for Southern Style Banana Bread. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I can confidently say that this is one of the best banana bread recipes out there! It’s moist, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Once you try this banana bread recipe, I know that you’ll love it just as much as I do. So why not give it a try? Whether you’re serving it up for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Remember to follow my tips and recommendations for the best results. And if you have any questions or comments about the recipe, feel free to contact me. I’m always happy to hear from fellow foodies!
In conclusion, this Southern Style Banana Bread recipe is nothing short of amazing. With its perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and ripe bananas, it’s truly the best banana bread around. So go ahead and whip up a loaf today – your taste buds will thank you!
Southern Style Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (see above)
- 1/3 cup salted butter, softened
- 3 bananas
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch cinnamon, to top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream butter and sugar.
- Peel and dice bananas. With vanilla extract, add to butter and sugar and mix.
- Add dry ingredients and combine by hand.
- Spray/grease a 9x9 pan and spread batter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top, bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.