Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe America's Test Kitchen
Banana bread is a classic and delicious treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. It is a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas, and it is easy to make. However, not all banana bread recipes are created equal. If you want to make the best banana bread possible, you should try the Ultimate Banana Bread recipe from America's Test Kitchen. This recipe is the result of extensive testing and experimentation, and it is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
The first step to making the Ultimate Banana Bread is to gather your ingredients. Here is what you will need:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)
You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. Make sure you buy ripe bananas, as they will be sweeter and easier to mash.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it is time to start making the Ultimate Banana Bread. Here are the instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If you are using nuts, fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve!
That's it! With these simple steps, you can make the Ultimate Banana Bread from America's Test Kitchen.
Tips and Tricks
If you want to take your banana bread to the next level, here are some tips and tricks:
- If you don't have ripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or a tomato for a day or two.
- Toasting your nuts before adding them to the batter will bring out their flavor and make them crunchier.
- If you want to make your banana bread healthier, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- You can also add other ingredients to your banana bread, such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or shredded coconut.
- If you want to make your banana bread extra moist, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
Conclusion
Banana bread is a classic treat that is loved by many, but not all banana bread recipes are created equal. If you want to make the best banana bread possible, you should try the Ultimate Banana Bread recipe from America's Test Kitchen. This recipe is the result of extensive testing and experimentation, and it is sure to impress anyone who tries it. By following the simple instructions and using the right ingredients, you can make delicious and moist banana bread that everyone will love.
