Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients
8
servings
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 bananas, mashed
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts), chopped
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat sugar, salt, vanilla, shortening, eggs and bananas in a bowl until well combined. Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and chopped nuts until just mixed.
- Spray a loaf pan with vegetable spray and add the batter.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to complete cooling.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why is my banana bread dry?
A: Make sure you're using very ripe bananas (the peel should be heavily spotted or even black). Don't overmix the batter after adding the flour - stir just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread tough and dry.
Q: Can I tell when it's done without a toothpick?
A: The bread should be golden brown on top and pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan. Press gently on the center - it should spring back. If you don't have a toothpick, use a butter knife or skewer.
Tips and Techniques
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Bananas with completely black peels are perfect. You can also freeze overripe bananas (peel them first) and thaw when you’re ready to bake.
Ingredient Substitutions
- shortening: butter or vegetable oil
- pecans or walnuts: chocolate chips
- regular flour: whole wheat flour
Equipment Needed
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- mixing bowl
- wire cooling rack
