Sweet and Tasty: Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
As I sit down to write about my Nana’s banana bread recipe, a rush of childhood memories floods over me. You see, my nana was a force of nature in the kitchen. In her worn, floral apron and hair pulled back in a messy bun, she would create delicious baked goods that would make your mouth water with just the scent.
This banana bread is one such recipe that holds a special place in my heart. It’s not only tasty and moist, but it’s also a testament to the timelessness of family recipes.
Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, and each time I sink my teeth into a slice, I’m taken back to my childhood. The sweet aroma of vanilla and ripe bananas fills my kitchen, and suddenly it feels like Nana is right there with me.
So if you’re looking for an easy and delicious banana bread recipe that has been tried and tested by generations of bakers, then you’ve come to the right place. Trust me when I say that once you try Nana’s Banana Bread Recipe, you won’t go back to any other recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect banana bread recipe to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than Nana’s Banana Bread Recipe! This classic recipe has been passed down through generations and perfected over time. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
What sets this banana bread apart from the rest is its rich and decadent flavor, thanks to the ripe bananas and signature combination of sugar and shortening. But that’s not all – with just the right amount of baking soda and baking powder, this recipe achieves a fluffy yet moist texture that is simply irresistible.
One reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility – with just a few simple substitutions, you can create endless variations of this beloved classic. Add in some chopped nuts or swirl in some chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
But don’t just take my word for it – this recipe has stood the test of time and is loved by all who try it. It’s been featured in Southern Living and Junior League recipe cards, passed down from grandma’s kitchen to yours.
So go ahead and give Nana’s Banana Bread Recipe a try – I guarantee it will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe how-to, let’s discuss the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable Nana’s Banana Bread. Don’t worry, these are easy-to-find items at your local grocery store.
The Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1-1/2 cups)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
It’s important to use ripe bananas for this recipe because they will provide maximum banana flavor. The rest of the ingredients should already be available in your pantry such as flour, sugar, baking soda, and eggs.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part: putting all the ingredients together to make this delicious Nana’s Banana Bread recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a loaf of your own:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before getting started. It’s important to have the right temperature so that your bread can cook evenly.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (113 grams) of shortening and 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar until it is fluffy and light. You can use either an electric mixer or do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Then, beat in two large eggs and 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250 grams) of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until they are evenly combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Combine the mixed wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, folding them gently together until they are just incorporated. Don’t over-mix or your bread will come out dense.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in the oven for approximately one hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool before slicing up your delicious Nana’s Banana Bread!
Now that you know how to make this perfect banana bread recipe, there’s no excuse not to try it!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to put a creative twist on Nana’s Banana Bread recipe? Look no further, friend, because I have some exciting substitutions and variations that’ll give your bread some pizzazz!
First off, let’s talk about the bananas. While this recipe calls for ripe bananas, feel free to experiment with different levels of ripeness. If you use bananas that are slightly less ripe, your bread may have a bit more bite and texture. If you opt for more ripened bananas, the taste will be sweeter and richer.
For those looking for alternative ingredients or dietary restrictions: fear not! This recipe is very adaptable. If you’re looking for a vegan option, swap out the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon of grounded flax meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use coconut oil in place of shortening. For those looking to replace sugar, try adding honey or maple syrup instead (use 3/4 cup in place of granulated sugar).
If you want an added crunch or texture to your bread, consider mixing in some crushed nuts such as pecans or walnuts. Or perhaps add some chocolate chips for a touch of decadence.
Lastly, I highly recommend experimenting with spices for added flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg are both great choices and complement the banana flavor beautifully.
Experimenting can be intimidating, but don’t let that scare you off! You never know what delicious creation may come from trying something new in the kitchen. Just remember these tips and go forth bravely into the world of variation and substitutions!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, serving and pairing. This is where we pull out all the stops and show off our best game. And with Nana’s Banana Bread recipe, it’s easy to do just that.
First things first, let’s talk about how to serve this bad boy. While some may prefer to eat it warm right out of the oven (who can blame them?), I find that letting the bread cool slightly before slicing into thick, pillowy pieces is the way to go. And don’t forget to slather on a generous pat of butter for ultimate indulgence.
Now, let’s move onto pairings. Serving banana bread on its own is perfectly acceptable, but if you’re looking to elevate your experience, there are a few things you can try.
For starters, a strong cup of coffee or tea is always a good choice. The bitterness of the beverage works wonderfully with the sweetness of the bread to create a perfectly balanced treat.
If you’re feeling extra fancy or want to impress your brunch guests, try serving Nana’s Banana Bread with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries on top. This not only adds a punch of color but also enhances the flavors of the bread.
Another classic pairing is serving banana bread with ice cream. But why stop at vanilla? Why not try it with caramel or chocolate ice cream for an even more decadent dessert?
And finally, for those who prefer savory over sweet, try serving slices of banana bread alongside a slice of crispy bacon or a soft boiled egg for added protein and flavor.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing Nana’s Banana Bread recipe. So go forth and experiment!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Alright folks, let’s talk about what to do with your delicious Nana’s Banana Bread after you’ve made it. This sweet and warm bread is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee and serves as an excellent breakfast or snack option. So, it’s logical that you’d want to make a big batch of it to have on hand for whenever those cravings strike.
The good news is that Nana’s Banana Bread recipe is entirely make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. And if you’ve already baked a loaf or two but want to save some for later, feel free to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Now, let’s say you’ve got some leftover slices of this goodness from yesterday. No worries – reheating them is easy! My recommendation is to pop them in a toaster oven at 300 F for about five minutes. If you don’t have access to a toaster oven, place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 F for five minutes.
Another great way of bringing life back into your day-old banana bread slices is by making French toast out of them. Mix one egg with ¼ cup of milk, soak each slice into the mixture, and cook them on a frying pan until golden brown on each side.
And if you’re looking for cold variations or desserts, top a slice with some whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, crumble some over your bowl of ice cream, put some bits into your smoothie mix or make it into a banana bread pudding!
Trust me; there’s no wrong way of enjoying this versatile treat! So go ahead and experiment with different ways of storing and reheating Nana’s Banana Bread because once you’ve tasted its heavenly flavor, you’re going to want to keep coming back for more.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making Nana’s Banana Bread Recipe is like taking a stroll through grandma’s kitchen. The scent of ripe bananas wafting in the air as the oven preheats to 350°F. Creating the perfect loaf requires a bit of finesse and experience, but with these tips, even a novice baker can achieve mouthwatering results.
1. Use overripe bananas
The blacker, the better! Don’t toss those brown bananas into the trash. Instead, mash them up and use them in this recipe to get that perfect balance between sweet and savory.
2. Pick the right flour
To achieve that classic banana bread texture, it’s best to use all-purpose flour. Steer clear of pastry or cake flour, which may not give you that dense crumb we all know and love.
3. Add sour cream
For an extra moist and tender crumb, add two tablespoons of sour cream to your batter. This ingredient works wonders to keep your loaves from drying out.
4. Let your eggs come to room temperature
Before adding eggs, be sure to let them come to room temperature; this will help them better combine with other ingredients in your batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
5. Use baking soda and vinegar
While baking soda helps your bread rise, adding two teaspoons of vinegar will ensure it stays light and fluffy even after baking.
6. Don’t overmix
Be gentle when mixing your ingredients together; overmixing will result in tough bread. Instead, mix until everything is just combined, leaving a few lumps here and there.
7. Bake until golden brown
Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes; everyone’s oven is different! Once the crust is golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed, remove it from the oven and let cool before slicing.
Following these tips will help you make the best banana bread you’ve ever tasted. So head on over to your kitchen and start baking!
Bottom Line
And there you have it, folks! Nana’s Banana Bread Recipe straight from my very own kitchen. I hope this recipe has brought a little bit of nostalgia and warmth to your hearts, as it has mine. There’s no better way to add some sweetness to your day than with a freshly baked loaf of banana bread that is both comforting and delicious.
So next time those ripe bananas on your counter are begging to be used, don’t throw them away. Instead, try out Nana’s Banana Bread Recipe and taste the comforting flavors of homemade baked goodness. With its versatile ingredients and simple steps, it’s worth giving it a shot!
Happy baking!
Nana’s Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons instant milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup shortening (I always used butter but I think she used Crisco)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 cup mashed banana
Instructions
- Mix shortening, sugar and egg together.
- Blend 1/3 cup water, vinegar and mashed banana and add to mixture.
- Mix in 1/2 cup nuts if desired.
- Sift together salt, milk, baking soda, baking powder and flour.
- Add to wet mixture.
- Bake at 350F for 1 hour.
- Always made with extra love at Nana's house.
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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.