Could we have one too many Banana Bread recipes? Clearly, Laura, who has an entire website/blog dedicated to banana bread would agree with me when I say: NO.
What is it with banana bread that we have hordes of recipes for it? Are all our kitchens swelling with overripe bananas? (Mine is.) Are we predominantly banana eaters? (Or just meaning to eat banana and forgetting about them till they start to get mushy?) Whichever the case for all of you out there, I can pretty much speak for my family and friends that banana bread will always be accepted with wide open hands and mouths.
I know, I know…banana bread is so versatile that it can be adjusted for and with just about anything. Here at Gourmeted, we’ve already given you one that has almond butter and save-till-last cinnamon crumble top and another that is moist, dense and an undeniable indulgence thanks to the butter and cream. This time, I offer you a nice compromise between the two, and then some (nuts).
What’s different with this banana bread? It has vanilla yogurt, most number of bananas among the 3 recipes, and chopped walnuts. It is moist without being too dense, which is an issue for some. There is a good balance of nuts to bread (i.e. not too much) to give it an all around pleasurable bite after bite after bite. So far, this has all the elements I want in a banana bread. I think I just found my new go-to banana bread recipe!
I made it into 3 little loaves that’s the perfect size to give out. I kept one for myself, gave one to my parents and another to my friend and her fiance. If you want some, you’ll have to make it. I’ve none left to share. Haha. Time to get more bananas because I already used up my frozen ones.
Freezing bananas: If you have any overripe bananas and not quite ready to make something out of it, don’t throw it away. Heavens, no. Peel the bananas and place them in ziploc bags before popping in the freezer. Just defrost in the fridge before using, or simply defrost in the microwave for a few seconds.
BANANA WALNUT BREAD
Ingredients (makes 3 small loaves)
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 4 very ripe bananas, mashed well (about 2 cups mashed)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line each small loaf pan with parchment paper, one strip lengthwise and another crosswise. If you use one big loaf pan, adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Fold the banana mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients until just combined. The resulting batter would be thick. Pour into the parchment lined loaf pans.
5. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes if using small loaf pans, and begin to monitor doneness at 40 minutes. For larger pans, time may vary from 50 to 60 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
6. Place the pans on a wire rack and let it cool for 10 minutes before sliding the bread out of the pan. Serve immediately or wait to cool before enjoying.
Ooh, love the shiny cracked top. It does look really moist- a keeper! :)
.-= Manggy´s last blog ..Mango Parfait with Orange Anise Jelly =-.
It’s such a keeper, I’m so happy about this experiment! Haha.
This is a dangerous recipe, especially in the time of tennis and swim training. Joy, if I start gaining weight, you are partially responsible :P
.-= ritchie´s last blog ..Ritchie vs Transformers 2 =-.
I’ll take responsibility, as long as I don’t have to pay for gym fees! You and the wifey should try this! It’s semi-guilt-free at the very least. You can even replace the white sugar with brown and put less. It’s so good I’m going to make more!
I love the combination of bananas and walnuts! This bread looks so nice and dense. I love that!
.-= Cookie´s last blog ..More Clean-Out the Pantry: Mexican Lasagna =-.
It really is a great combination. Thanks! I’m glad you can see it from the photo…yum.
Even banana haters like banana bread. It’s just that good.
.-= The Duo Dishes´s last blog ..Better Late Than Never =-.
Very true. Dan loves banana bread, too, but refuses to eat fresh bananas because of the texture.
I absolutely love banana bread and love collecting recipes for it! This one looks delicious! Just one question, did you use a low fat vanilla yogurt or full fat? :)
.-= Jamieanne´s last blog ..Peanut Butter Cupcakes And Nutella Cupcakes =-.
I can definitely say that this one would be a good addition to your collection. :) I used full fat organic vanilla yogurt. Haha.
Oh wow, I LOOOVE banana bread! This looks yummy, will try some time!!
.-= Mariel´s last blog ..Ryan, Ryan =-.
Mariel, you should try this! I really love it, and so do the people I gave it to. Don’t skip the walnuts. :)
That’s my kind of bread with the addition of walnuts and yogurt…sublime :)
Cheers!
Gera
.-= Gera @ SweetsFoods´s last blog ..Milanesa a la Napolitana a Culinary Savory Delight that You Will Not Forget! =-.
Indeed. :) Thanks for dropping by!
What a wonderful recipe, and blog as well. I love the flavor combo and the texture, sounds delicious with a cup of tea
.-= Sylvia´s last blog ..Gnocchi, gnocchi…. better cheerful =-.
Your banana bread with walnuts looks so delectable! Fab!
.-= Sophie´s last blog ..Baked Halloumi salad with a caper, garlic, lime & mustard dressing with fresh coriander leaves =-.
I do love banana bread. Confess to buying it from my local market :-/ so happy to have a recipe. Yours looks so moist and fluffy.
.-= Jackie at PhamFatale.com´s last blog ..Throwing an Elegant Dinner Party? Try Miniature Sweets =-.
Hi Joy
What size loaf pans did you use.