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A loaf of Ina Garten’s Banana Bread with crunchy pecans and ripe bananas.

Banana Bread

Ina Garten's Banana Bread is a cozy loaf that delivers soft slices, big banana flavor, and comfort, perfect for pairing with pajamas and coffee.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 large very ripe bananas, mashed well (about 1 and 1/2 cups) Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Melted butter helps create a tender loaf.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature Room temperature eggs incorporate better.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt For moisture and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Measure carefully to avoid dryness.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips Optional for added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and line it with a parchment sling for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until combined.
  3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla, sour cream, and the mashed bananas. Mix until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Do not overmix or the loaf can turn tough.
  6. Fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips if using. The batter will be thick and speckled with banana.
  7. Pour into the pan and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  2. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool on a rack. Let it cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

Notes

It’s fantastic warm with a swipe of salted butter. For bakery style tops, sprinkle coarse sugar over the batter before baking.