Banana Bread In Cast Iron Loaf Pan
Banana bread is a classic baked good that most people love. It's moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. If you're looking for a way to take your banana bread game to the next level, consider baking it in a cast iron loaf pan. The cast iron conducts heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly baked loaf with a crispy crust and tender interior. In this article, we'll show you how to make banana bread in a cast iron loaf pan that's sure to become a family favorite.
Why Use a Cast Iron Loaf Pan?
Cast iron cookware is popular among home cooks and professional chefs alike, and for good reason. Cast iron conducts heat evenly and retains heat well, which makes it ideal for baking. When you bake banana bread in a cast iron loaf pan, you get a perfectly browned crust and tender, moist interior. The cast iron also gives the bread a lovely, rustic look that's perfect for serving at a family brunch or breakfast.
Ingredients
Before you can make banana bread in a cast iron loaf pan, you'll need to gather your ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to get started on making the banana bread. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9-inch cast iron loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl with a fork or potato masher.
- Add the melted butter to the bananas and stir until well combined.
- Add the baking soda and salt to the banana mixture and stir until combined.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add the flour to the bowl and mix until the flour is just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the greased cast iron loaf pan.
- Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the banana bread from the cast iron loaf pan and let it cool on a wire rack for an additional 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Making Perfect Banana Bread
Making banana bread in a cast iron loaf pan is fairly straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help you make the perfect loaf every time:
- Use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread. Mix the batter until the flour is just incorporated.
- Bake the bread until it's fully cooked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Let the bread cool before slicing. Allowing the bread to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan and on a wire rack will make it easier to slice and serve.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Conclusion
Banana bread is a classic baked good that's perfect for any occasion. By using a cast iron loaf pan, you can take your banana bread to the next level. The cast iron conducts heat evenly and gives the bread a perfectly browned crust with a tender, moist interior. By following the recipe and tips in this article, you can easily make delicious and perfectly baked banana bread in a cast iron loaf pan.