Alton Brown Banana Bread Recipe That’s Moist and Delicious

Banana bread is a beloved classic that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the comforting texture of a moist loaf. Among the many recipes out there, Alton Brown’s banana bread stands out for its scientific yet simple approach, ensuring a perfectly tender crumb and rich flavor every time.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to make your first quick bread, this recipe will guide you through a foolproof method that emphasizes the importance of ingredient ratios and technique.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into Alton Brown’s banana bread recipe, highlighting why it’s so special and how you can easily master it in your own kitchen. Plus, you’ll find tips to customize the loaf, nutrition facts, and serving ideas to make this banana bread your new favorite treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Alton Brown’s banana bread recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it uses a balance of ingredients that results in a moist, tender crumb without being overly dense or soggy.

The addition of buttermilk adds a subtle tang that complements the natural sweetness of the bananas, creating a complex flavor profile.

Moreover, the recipe’s straightforward method demystifies baking by explaining the science behind ingredient choices, making it a great recipe for beginners and experts alike. It’s also highly versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and additions like nuts or chocolate chips.

Lastly, this banana bread keeps well for days and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or gifting.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas until just combined.
6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the banana mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
7. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

“For perfectly ripe bananas, look for ones with lots of brown spots — the sweeter and softer, the better!”

• Banana ripeness: The key to great banana bread is ripe bananas. If yours are not soft enough, microwave them for 30 seconds to soften.
• Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, use 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Add-ins: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for a fun twist.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be cautious with liquids as some blends absorb more moisture.
• Storage: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for breakfast or a comforting snack.

It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

For a decadent dessert, try spreading Nutella or peanut butter on slices, or topping with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. Leftover banana bread can be toasted and used as a base for bread pudding or French toast for a delightful brunch.

Conclusion

Alton Brown’s banana bread recipe is an excellent example of how science meets simplicity in baking. With a perfect balance of moistness, flavor, and texture, this banana bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The use of ripe bananas and buttermilk, combined with easy-to-follow instructions, ensures success for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this banana bread is a comforting way to use up ripe bananas and enjoy a homemade treat. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to keep your cooking adventures exciting and flavorful.

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