Very Best Banana Loaf

Susie in Texas's Note:

This banana bread is, without a doubt, one of the very best I have ever made. The loaves have a very nice deep color and a beautiful crumb. The secret is not the unusual liquid ingredient, the secret is slow baking. Oil makes this recipe parve, (thanks Mirj for explaining this to me & Chia and Miraklegirl for your help too).

• Total Time: 1 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 Loaves

• 2 cups very ripe pureed bananas (approx. 6 bananas)
• 2 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup oil (if your prefer, you may sub. melted, unsalted butter)
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Spray two 9 X 5 inch loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Using your food processor, puree the bananas, then remove the puree to another bowl and set aside.
4. No need to clean the work bowl of your food processor, just add together and blend well the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla.
5. Takes about 1 minute.
6. Measure and mix together, in a separate bowl, all the dry ingredients except the nuts.
7. Return banana puree to processor work bowl.
8. Add dry ingredients and blend, pouring in the coca cola as mixture is blending together.
9. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
10. Blend in nuts by hand.
11. Divide mixture between the two loaf pans.
12. Place loaf pans on a baking sheet in the oven.
13. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes OR until loaves test done in the middle with a toothpick.
14. Let cool about 10-15 minutes then turn loaves out of pans to finish cooling.
15. These loaves keep well or can be frozen.

Reviews

[Esmerelda]

I've been trying Banana bread recipes for more years than I care to remember, looking for the perfect one. I came across this one recently and have made it 3 times now ... excellent results each time. I always have trouble with my loaves falling, with a doughy centre, no matter how long I leave them in the oven ... don't know why. But not this recipe for some reason! I've shared the result with neighbours and have been asked for the recipe. I think I'll stick with this one from now on ... I'm not sure what the cola does, but I think the secret is the dark brown sugar. I just stirred all the dry ingredients together in a big bowl, and whizzed the bananas, oil, eggs, vanilla and cola up with a hand blender separately, them dumped all the liquid into the dry and gave it a good stir before pouring in to sprayed pans & baking. Thanks for this great recipe!

[Ouisey]

I made this yesterday morning and stuck to the recipe exactly. It turned out perfect. In fact, I wrapped one of the loaves and put a bow on it and took it to my sister-in-law's house for dinner last evening. She is an excellent baker and I would never take anything to her house unless I was very, very pleased with it. Thanks, Susie, this one will be made again at our house.

[Northern Julia]

I cannot tell you how greatful I am to have found your recipe on this website. Everyone I know wants to thank you, it is absolutly outstanding.When I made it for the first time the flavor just exploaded in my mouth. I have tried alot of recipes but you certainly have the best one. Thanks again.