Banana Bread America's Test Kitchen Recipe
Banana bread is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages in the United States. The soft, moist, and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. There are many variations of banana bread recipes available, but the America's Test Kitchen recipe stands out for its unique approach and exceptional taste.
The Secret of America's Test Kitchen Banana Bread Recipe
America's Test Kitchen is a popular TV show and cookbook series that focuses on identifying the best cooking techniques and ingredients through rigorous testing and experiments. The banana bread recipe from America's Test Kitchen follows this philosophy and incorporates some surprising ingredients and cooking methods that ensure a perfect banana bread every time.
One of the secrets of the America's Test Kitchen banana bread recipe is the use of sour cream. Unlike other banana bread recipes that rely on vegetable oil or butter, this recipe includes sour cream to add moisture and tanginess to the bread. The sour cream also helps to activate the baking soda and baking powder, resulting in a light and airy texture.
Another unique element of this recipe is the use of two types of sugar - granulated sugar and brown sugar. The granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps to create a golden crust, while the brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor. A combination of all-purpose flour and cake flour ensures a tender crumb and a perfect rise.
The recipe also suggests using very ripe bananas that are almost black in color. These bananas have a higher sugar content and are easier to mash, resulting in a more intense banana flavor and a softer texture.
How to Make America's Test Kitchen Banana Bread
Here is the step-by-step guide to making America's Test Kitchen banana bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash 3 very ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, and 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter (softened) to the bowl and mix until fluffy.
- Add 2 large eggs, ½ cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cake flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread
Here are some tips to ensure that your America's Test Kitchen banana bread turns out perfectly:
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and texture.
- Make sure all ingredients, especially the butter and sour cream, are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Mix the wet ingredients until they are fluffy to incorporate air and ensure a light texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough and dry bread.
- Bake the bread until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and let it cool completely before slicing.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
The America's Test Kitchen banana bread recipe is a game-changer for all banana bread lovers. The use of sour cream, two types of sugar, and a combination of flours results in a moist, sweet, and tender bread that is hard to resist. Follow the above tips and instructions, and you will have a perfect banana bread every time.