Banana Bread by Williams-Sonoma

Roxygirl in Colorado's Note:

This banana bread is "number one" to me. I used to throw banana bread away after the first couple slices, since it never lived up to my expectations. I save the last sliver of this one, carefully wrapped in plastic, and savor the last bite. The loaf bakes up evenly in the pan, making less of a peaked top. I believe it is the 3 eggs that does this. You will not find a gummy center in the middle of this loaf. Look on the Williams Sonoma website for a photo. To ensure consistency I use very ripe bananas and measure them mashed.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 1.0 loaf

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (1-1/2 cups measured)
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (you can substitute "homemade" by letting milk plus tablespoon vinegar set for 10 minutes)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh nutmeg (or 1/2 tsp. dried- I use about 1/2 fresh) (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and lightly flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.
4. Add the bananas and eggs and beat until smooth. Add the buttermilk and beat just until combined.
5. In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, salt and nuts.
6. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and beat just until combined.
7. The batter should be slightly lumpy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
9. Bake until the loaf is dark golden brown and dry to the touch and the edges pull away from the sides of the pan, 55 to 60 minutes.
10. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
11. Let the bread rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and let cool completely.
12. Cut into thick slices to serve. Makes one 9-by-5-inch loaf.
13. Storage Tip: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature overnight or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reviews

[Emily Hoon]

Thank you again Roxygirl, for proving that your recipes are always fail-proof! When I prepared this recipe, I was not in the best of moods: my kitchen mixer gave up on me before I started the creaming; and realised too late I had no buttermilk and used milk instead. Lastly, in a moment of recklessness, I decided to use a too-small loaf pan. The result being that the dough spilled over! Despite this, I divided the barely baked dough into 2 loaf pans and in just 45 mintues, they both turned out SUPER PERFECT. No gooey and too-dense texture which I always experienced with other recipes and both were nicely baked through. They were SO moist and the banana flavour was just right. I would increase the sugar to 1 1/2 cups. THANK YOU for this fantastic recipe!!!

[fawn512]

Fantastic bread. I didnt' add nuts and I only use 1/4 t nutmeg and the amount is just right..banana flavor is still dominant. These are very moist bread. IMPT to grease very well the pan, for mine got stuck at the bottom. UPDATE:when baked using muffin liners, it stuck so bad :(

[Kittencalskitchen]

This is a great banana bread that rises high, I made exactly as stated, only I used 1/3 cup butter, and baked them in three mini loaf pans as I am giving two away to my DS. thanks Rox!...Kitten:)