Mouthwatering Guatemalan Banana Bread Recipe
Welcome to the irresistible world of Guatemalan baking! I’m thrilled to share with you my all-time favorite recipe – the mouth-watering Pan De Banano, also known as banana bread.
Originating from the heart of Guatemala, this bread recipe has swept the entire world off its feet with its decadent taste and aroma. You will fall in love with this beloved Guatemalan classic at first bite.
To create this heavenly treat, you need just a few basic ingredients that you are likely to have in your pantry right now. All it takes is a little bit of patience and some effort, but trust me: The final outcome will be worth every second spent!
You may ask yourself, what makes this traditional recipe different from all other banana bread recipes? The answer: It’s all in the technique and unique ingredients.
So why not embrace your inner baker and join me on an adventure to the vibrant fabric of Guatemalan cuisine with pan de banano? This recipe promises to bring out the best in every household, and I am more than excited for you to give it a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a banana bread lover, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Guatemalan Pan De Banano recipe. Trust me, it’s not just any ordinary banana bread. This recipe is packed with an explosion of flavors that will leave your tastebuds craving for more.
Firstly, this recipe includes perfectly ripe bananas which give the bread a natural sweetness and moist texture that will melt in your mouth. The addition of cinnamon and lemon juice brings out the aroma and tanginess that complements the banana flavor beautifully.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe also offers flexibility to suit any dietary restrictions or preferences. You can easily substitute regular sugar with sugar-free alternatives or swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free ones.
Not to mention, creating this delectable bread requires only minimal effort with simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow. The outcome is a golden brown loaf that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.
And let’s not forget about the cultural significance behind Pan De Banano as a Guatemalan delicacy. It’s not just any ordinary banana bread you find at your local bakery; it has a history and culture so deeply rooted in Guatemala. By trying this recipe, you get to experience a piece of Guatemalan culture right from your kitchen.
So put on your apron and get ready to indulge in the best Guatemalan pan de banano (banana bread) recipe ever created.
Ingredient List
Below are the essential ingredients you will need to make this traditional Guatemalan Banana Bread or Pan de Banano recipe:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
For an authentic taste and texture, weigh the ingredients using a kitchen scale as we do in Guatemala. Also, make sure your bananas are ripe —the skin should be yellow with brown spots— to sweeten the bread naturally and add moisture.
You can find all these ingredients in your local supermarket at a reasonable price. It’s also helpful to gather all the items before starting the recipe so that everything you need is within reach.
The Recipe How-To
Mashing the Bananas
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, peel and mash 2-3 ripe bananas in a mixing bowl with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth and creamy.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set it aside.
In another mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until it’s well combined. Then add in the mashed bananas and beat by hand or with an electric mixer until everything is combined.
Next, add in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and mix it until everything is well incorporated.
Gradually add in the dry ingredients while mixing continuously. Mix until all the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Baking Instructions
Gently grease a banana bread pan with some butter and then sprinkle some flour onto it. This helps in easy removal once baked.
Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Tap gently on a flat surface to remove an air bubble if any.
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
Once done, carefully remove the pan from the oven using mittens or thick towel as it will be extremely hot. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before taking out the bread from the pan.
Slice and serve warm with some butter or all by itself. This guatemalan “Pan de Banano” recipe makes for a great breakfast or snack, especially alongside a refreshing beverage like coffee or tea.
Substitutions and Variations
As a baker, I know how important it is to have options when it comes to recipes. That’s why I’m excited to share some substitutions and variations for the Guatemalan Pan De Banano recipe.
Firstly, if you want to make this banana bread recipe a bit healthier, you can swap out the sugar for a sugar-free alternative. You can also replace the butter with a plant-based spread or oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil.
If you’re looking for a different twist on the classic banana bread, try adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You could also mix in some chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
For those who prefer a spicier flavor profile, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
And finally, if you want to make this recipe truly unique, consider swapping out traditional bananas for other fruits like plátano (plantain) or colombian/honduras bananas. This can lead to delicious variations of banano guatemalteco (Guatemalan banana) bread that will impress everyone who takes a bite.
Remember to be experimental with your substitutions and variations on this amazing recipe.
Serving and Pairing
As you pull your fragrant Guatemalan Pan De Banano from the oven, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll serve and pair this delicious treat. Fresh out of the oven, this banano banana bread is incredibly moist and tender, with a perfect blend of sweetness that can satisfy any sweet tooth. There’s no need to wait- slice a piece or two right away and savor it on its own or with a warm cup of coffee.
For breakfast, toast a thick slice of banano banana bread and slather it with a generous amount of butter or cream cheese. You can also try topping it with some fruit preserves like raspberry jam or honey for an extra boost of flavor.
If you’re looking for something a little more decadent, try using your pan de banano in a deliciously indulgent dessert. One idea is to create a bread pudding by soaking slices of the bread in rum and baking it with custard, cinnamon, and nutmeg until golden brown. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat.
For pairing ideas, consider the rich heritage and traditions of Guatemala. Enjoy your pan de banano with a steaming cup of rich Guatemalan coffee or some freshly squeezed citrus juices like orange or grapefruit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to try serving your banana bread alongside some traditional Guatemalan dishes like refried beans, tamales, or empanadas.
No matter how you decide to serve and pair your Guatemalan Pan De Banano, it’s sure to be a hit among family and friends alike. With its delicious flavor and versatility, this pan de banano makes the perfect addition to any mealtime spread or snacktime indulgence.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve baked your delicious Guatemalan Pan De Banano, you may be wondering how to keep it fresh until you’re ready to serve. The good news is that banana bread can be stored for a decent amount of time.
If you plan on serving the bread within a day or two, let it cool completely then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. However, if you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, it’s best to slice the bread and freeze any portions that won’t be eaten in the coming days. Freezing the bread will extend its shelf-life by several months.
When reheating frozen banana bread, simply remove as many slices as needed and warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (around 8-10 minutes). You could also microwave a slice for around 20 seconds but keep in mind that this method may leave your slice soggy.
To give your leftovers a new life (if there is any), why not consider making French toast? Using stale bread is perfect for making French toast as the texture becomes denser with less chance of disintegrating when soaked in egg custard.
Overall, keeping your Guatemalan Pan De Banano fresh is easy and simple. With these storage tips, you can enjoy this delicious treat all week long!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make delicious Guatemalan Pan De Banano, let me share some tips to ensure that your banana bread comes out perfectly every time.
Firstly, when measuring the flour, do not use the measuring cup to scoop directly from the container. Instead, use a spoon to lightly stir the flour then spoon it into the measuring cup and level off the excess using a straight edge. Too much flour will result in a dense and dry loaf.
Secondly, make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing it with the sugar. This allows for easier creaming and results in a lighter and fluffier crumb.
Thirdly, while over mixing cake batter can result in a tough loaf, it is important to mix the ingredients well enough to ensure that there are no lumps of butter or dry ingredients left in the batter. Use a whisk or spatula for this process, as using an electric mixer can overwork the batter.
Fourthly, avoid opening the oven door too often during baking, as this can cause fluctuations in temperature which may affect the final outcome of your bread.
Finally, if you want to add some extra flavor to your pan de banano, try soaking raisins or walnuts in rum for 30 minutes before stirring them into the batter. This will give your bread an added depth of flavor that is sure to impress.
Follow these tips and you will be on your way to becoming a pan de banano expert!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for Guatemalan Pan de Banano (Banana Bread) is one that you definitely do not want to miss out on. With its delicious combination of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice, this recipe is packed full of flavor and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Not only is this bread recipe easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family, but it can also be customized to suit your individual tastes. Whether you prefer a classic banana bread or have a sweet tooth for something a little more unique, this recipe can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today and indulge in the sweetness of Guatemala’s favorite dessert. With its delectable taste and simple preparation, there’s no reason not to add this recipe to your baking repertoire. So go ahead and make this delicious banana bread recipe now – your taste buds will thank you!
Guatemalan Pan De Banano (Banana Bread) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 lb banana (ripe, about 2 or 3 large)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten well
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Soften the butter to room temperature and mix it with the sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Mash the bananas and add it to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Add the salt, lemon juice, cinnamon, and egg.
- Sift the flour with the baking powder and slowly add it to the liquid mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, approximately 9 x 5 inches.
- Bake in oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve with honey as a cake bread, or as a dessert with cream or ice cream.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.