Banana Bread by Williams-Sonoma

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.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 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.