There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This ultimate bread recipe combines wholesome ingredients, a touch of sweetness, and a perfectly moist texture to create a loaf that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this easy-to-follow recipe will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) of packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80g) of plain yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 cups (460g) of mashed bananas (approximately 4 large ripe bananas)
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 3/4 cup of chopped dark chocolate
1. Preparation:
Start by positioning the oven rack to the middle. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick spray and set it aside. This simple prep step ensures your bread comes out beautifully.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside. This dry mix will be the foundation of your ultimate bread.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed. After about two minutes, the mixture should be smooth and creamy—a perfect base for the rest of the ingredients.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Lower the mixer speed to medium. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the yogurt, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and unified.
5. Combine Everything:
Switch the mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined; overmixing can make the bread dense. For an indulgent touch, gently fold in the optional dark chocolate pieces at this stage.
6. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 60-65 minutes, checking for doneness starting at the 60-minute mark. To prevent over-browning, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil halfway through baking if needed. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for at least an hour. Slice, serve, and enjoy the perfect loaf!
Storage Tips:
To keep your banana bread fresh and delicious, cover it tightly and store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
A Little Extra Love:
This bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a pat of butter, or pair it with your favourite tea or coffee for a cosy treat. And if you decide to add dark chocolate, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Happy baking from all of us at INTU Wellness 💙
Source – Sally’s Baking Addiction