How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots yield the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe is ideal.

How do I keep the crunchy sugar top?

Leave the bread uncovered in its pan and only press foil against the cut side once sliced.

Ultimate Banana Bread

Name: Ultimate Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.5 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 5 whole ripe bananas; 2 whole eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 0.125 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp turbinado sugar

Five bananas and a turbinado sugar crust make this the banana bread that actually improves over several days.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

Total Time

1h 15m

Servings

1 loaf

Calories

310/serving

Difficulty

Easy

by Replay RecipesAmerican Cuisine

Dessert

Nutrition Per Serving

310Calories

5gProtein

50gCarbs

11gFat

2gFiber

28gSugar

Ingredients

0.5 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
5 whole ripe bananas
2 whole eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.125 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp turbinado sugar

Servings

1 loaf

Ingredients

Prepare the Loaf Pan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan generously on all sides.

Combine Butter and Sugar

Melt the butter in a large bowl or let it cool slightly if already melted. Whisk in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.

Add Banana, Eggs, and Flavorings

Stir the mashed banana into the butter mixture, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract. Sprinkle the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and baking powder over the surface of the batter and whisk until evenly dispersed, then whisk about 10 more times to be sure nothing is hiding at the bottom.

Fold in Flour and Top with Sugar

Add the flour and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. It should fill the pan nearly to the brim. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar generously over the top.

Bake the Banana Bread

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check near the upper edges as well to ensure there are no uncooked pockets. Let the bread cool completely in the pan.

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Tips & Variations

Use five bananas rather than the typical three for maximum banana flavor and moisture.
This bread tastes even better on days two and three as the flavors develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should the bananas be?: Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots yield the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe is ideal.
How do I keep the crunchy sugar top?: Leave the bread uncovered in its pan and only press foil against the cut side once sliced.

Recipe inspired by the original at smittenkitchen.com. Ingredients and factual cooking data extracted; instructions independently written.

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