Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Banana Banana Bread

Banana is my least favorite fruit. I never eat it plain. I like fruits that are refreshing, juicy, and have the ability to quench my thirst. Banana does not do any of those things for me. Actually, I know some people that love bananas not because they taste good, but because they are too lazy to peel fruits and get their hands dirty. I guess in that aspect, bananas are quite convenient, but they are not for me. 
Having said that, I don't mind bananas in ice cream sundaes, dessert crepes / waffles, milkshakes, smoothies - bananas make great compliments, just as long as they are accompanied by something that is refreshing in itself. I actually don't even mind those dried banana chips either, or fried bananas. And I guess without question, I like banana bread too; they are great for baking.

This banana bread is moist and delicious, with loads of banana flavor (hence the double "banana" in the name hehe). Caution though, this bread is very dense and heavy, so if you're looking for a lighter cake or muffin-type banana bread, look elsewhere. 


Banana Banana Bread - adapted from allrecipes
(Yields 1 - 9 x 5 inch loaf)

Ingredients
  • 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas (I used 6)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
Before
After

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter  and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. 


3. Using a wooden spoon, stir banana mixture into flour mixture; mix gently until just moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.


4. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Note: Test with a toothpick in several places for doneness so you don't mistakenly hit a banana piece and think it is underdone.



I've made this banana bread a handful of times now and I still love it =) I may spice things up a bit next time though by adding some chocolate chips.


Care to share with me your favorite banana bread recipe? Or any recipe with bananas in them?=D