Introduction
Who doesn’t love a warm slice of banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea? This Southern Living Banana Bread recipe is the perfect combination of moist and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will impress your family and friends. So, let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
- Stir in flour mixture until just combined. If using, fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top with spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
- Cool bread in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool completely on wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 15 minutes Cook time: 50-60 minutes Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Cooking spray
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese, or enjoy at room temperature with your favorite hot beverage. This banana bread also makes a great breakfast or brunch dish, and can be served with fresh fruit and yogurt for a complete meal.
Variations
For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and use coconut oil or applesauce instead of butter. You can also add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or buttermilk instead. If you are allergic to nuts, omit the pecans or substitute with another type of nut or dried fruit.
Storage
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Tips
Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. If your bananas are not ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two. To prevent the bread from sticking to the pan, line the bottom with parchment paper or dust with flour before pouring in the batter.
Notes
This recipe makes 1 loaf of banana bread, which serves 12. You can easily double the recipe to make 2 loaves, or halve it to make a smaller batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas that have been thawed. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use any type of nut or dried fruit that you prefer.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Southern Living Banana Bread recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can enjoy a warm slice of banana bread in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy this classic recipe!