Light, airy with a rich banana flavor, this Banana Bread recipe is based on the Joy of Cooking version and is still my favorite. Over the last 20+ years I've played around with stir-ins, toppings, different size baking pans and ingredients. Try different combinations or make up your own and let me know what you think.
FYI, the photo is the Banana Bread recipe with the Pecan Crunch Topping.
Banana Bread
1-3/4 cups (8 oz/220 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/3 cup vegetable shortening or dairy-free margarine
2/3 cup (4-2/3 oz./135 g) sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas, about 2 large bananas
2 tablespoons dark rum or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour three mini loaf pans or one 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 loaf pan.
Whisk together first three ingredients; set aside. In a stand mixer, beat shortening, sugar and lemon zest until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until incorporated. Add banana and rum. Reduced speed to low and add flour mixture, mixing just until combined. If desired, add stir-ins. Divide batter between pans. If desired, mix together a topping (see below) and sprinkle on top.
Bake at 350° 35 to 40 minutes
(55 to 60 minutes for a large loaf pan) or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan. Serve warm or cool completely on wire cooling racks.
Serves 9
Pecan Crunch Topping:
1/3 cup (2-1/2 oz./75 g) packed brown sugar
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans
2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Coconut Crumb Topping:
1/3 cup (2-1/2 oz./75 g) packed brown sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Oatmeal Struesel Topping:
2 tablespoons cold shortening
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
12 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup quick cooking oats
Stir-In Ideas (3/4 to 1 cup total):
Toasted chopped pecans, almonds or walnuts
Dark chocolate chips
Chopped dried apricots, peaches, cherries or raisins
Nutrition calculated with Pecan Crunch Topping
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