America's Test Kitchen Ultimate Banana Bread
Banana bread is a timeless classic that everyone can enjoy. It's an easy-to-make treat that's perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even as a dessert. However, not all banana bread recipes are created equal, and if you're looking for the ultimate banana bread recipe, look no further than America's Test Kitchen.
America's Test Kitchen: The Experts in Recipe Testing
America's Test Kitchen is known for its rigorous recipe testing process, which involves testing and retesting recipes until they're perfect. The team of expert chefs and cookbook authors at America's Test Kitchen have spent years perfecting their ultimate banana bread recipe, and the result is a delicious, moist, and flavorful banana bread that's sure to become a family favorite.
The Secret to America's Test Kitchen Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe
So what makes America's Test Kitchen ultimate banana bread recipe so special? The secret is in the ingredients and the method of preparation. The recipe calls for overripe bananas, which are mashed and added to the batter along with sour cream, which adds moisture and tanginess to the bread. The recipe also includes a mix of all-purpose flour and bread flour, which gives the bread a light and fluffy texture.
Another secret to this recipe is the use of melted butter instead of oil, which adds a rich buttery flavor to the bread. The recipe also includes a mix of white and brown sugar, which adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the bread. Finally, the recipe calls for a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the bread, which adds a warm and cozy flavor to the finished product.
The Perfect Banana Bread: Tips and Tricks
While the America's Test Kitchen ultimate banana bread recipe is easy to follow, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure that you get the perfect banana bread every time. First, be sure to use overripe bananas, which are brown and spotty. These bananas are sweeter and have a stronger banana flavor, which is essential for a delicious banana bread.
Another tip is to use high-quality ingredients, including the best butter, flour, and sugar you can find. This will ensure that your banana bread has the best possible flavor and texture. Finally, be sure to measure your ingredients carefully, using a kitchen scale if possible, to ensure that your bread turns out perfectly every time.
The Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe
Now that you know the secrets to making the perfect banana bread, it's time to try the America's Test Kitchen ultimate banana bread recipe for yourself. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 overripe bananas, mashed well (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Add the banana mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
The Verdict
If you're a fan of banana bread, you won't be disappointed with America's Test Kitchen ultimate banana bread recipe. This delicious and easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a family favorite, and with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure that your bread turns out perfectly every time. So why not give it a try today?