Best Banana Bread Recipe Cook's Illustrated
Banana bread is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed by generations. It's a great way to use up overripe bananas and makes for a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert. However, not all banana bread recipes are created equal. The perfect banana bread is moist, flavorful, and just sweet enough without being overpowering. That's where Cook's Illustrated comes in. They have perfected the recipe for the best banana bread.
The Secret to Perfect Banana Bread
The secret to perfect banana bread lies in the ingredients and the technique. Cook's Illustrated uses a combination of brown sugar and white sugar to give the bread a rich and caramel-like flavor. They also add sour cream to keep the bread moist and tender. The recipe calls for mashing the bananas with a fork rather than using a food processor or blender, which can overwork the batter and make the bread tough. Finally, the bread is baked low and slow to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
The Recipe
Here is the recipe for the best banana bread, courtesy of Cook's Illustrated:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 large very ripe bananas, peeled
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mash the bananas in a separate bowl with a fork until mostly smooth.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the mashed bananas and sour cream and mix until well combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
Here are some tips to ensure that your banana bread turns out perfectly:
- Use very ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't overmix the batter. Stir until just combined, and then stop. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dry bread.
- Bake low and slow. A low oven temperature ensures that the bread cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from falling apart.
In Conclusion
If you're looking for the perfect banana bread recipe, look no further than Cook's Illustrated. With their expertly crafted recipe and helpful tips, you'll be able to bake the best banana bread of your life. So go ahead and give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you!