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Ultimate Banana Bread America's Test Kitchen

The Secret to the Perfect Banana Bread

There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home, and the taste of a warm slice with a dollop of butter is pure comfort. But finding the perfect banana bread recipe can be a challenge. Too dry, too dense, too sweet... there are so many ways it can go wrong. That's where America's Test Kitchen comes in.

For those unfamiliar with America's Test Kitchen, it's a cooking show and website that's all about finding the best version of classic recipes. They test dozens of variations to find the recipe that is foolproof, flavorful, and perfect in every way. And when it comes to banana bread, they've hit the jackpot with their Ultimate Banana Bread recipe.

So what's the secret to their perfect banana bread? It all comes down to a few key factors:

Ripe Bananas

First and foremost, you need ripe bananas. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's essential. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. Don't be afraid to let your bananas sit on the counter until they're almost entirely brown – that's when they're at their peak for baking.

Ripe Bananas

Sour Cream

Most banana bread recipes call for milk or yogurt to add moisture, but America's Test Kitchen uses sour cream instead. This adds a tangy flavor and ultra-moist texture to the bread. It's a little unconventional, but it works wonders.

Sour Cream

Brown Sugar

The sweetness of banana bread typically comes from white granulated sugar, but America's Test Kitchen uses a combination of granulated and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and moisture to the bread that granulated sugar can't match.

Brown Sugar

The Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe

Now that you know the secret ingredients, it's time for the recipe. This recipe makes one 9-inch loaf of moist, flavorful banana bread that will be the envy of all your friends and family.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the banana mixture, and mix until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

And that's it! As you can see, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. The result is a perfectly moist and flavorful banana bread that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Conclusion

If you've been searching for the best banana bread recipe, look no further than Ultimate Banana Bread America's Test Kitchen. With ripe bananas, sour cream, and brown sugar, this recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and ultra-moist. Plus, it's easy to make and you'll be enjoying a warm slice in no time. So why not give it a try?

Related video of Ultimate Banana Bread America's Test Kitchen: A recipe you cannot resist

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