Buttermilk Banana Bread
INGREDIENTS:
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Ingredient Highlights for Buttermilk Banana Bread
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and contribute to the bread’s moist texture.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang to the banana bread, helping to balance out the sweetness of the bananas and sugar. It also makes the bread soft and moist.
Butter: The butter brings richness to the flavor and contributes to the tenderness of the bread.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the banana bread, making it more aromatic and delicious.
Baking Soda: This helps the banana bread rise and become light and fluffy.
Cinnamon (Optional): Cinnamon adds a touch of spice that complements the bananas perfectly.
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare the Banana Bread Batter
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth with a few small chunks remaining. The riper the bananas, the smoother and sweeter they will be.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and mix until smooth. The buttermilk helps the bread rise and gives it a moist crumb.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense banana bread.
Add the Bananas: Fold in the mashed bananas, ensuring they’re evenly incorporated into the batter.
Add Optional Mix-ins: If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
Bake the Banana Bread
Transfer to Pan: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it bakes evenly.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cut and Serve the Buttermilk Banana Bread
Slice and Serve: Once the bread has cooled, slice it into thick pieces. Serve it as-is or spread with butter, peanut butter, or Nutella for an extra indulgence.