Delicious and Nutritious: Cooking Workshop Recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups of mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
  • 1/2 cup of buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  5. Fold in the mashed bananas until well blended.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just enough to evenly combine.
  7. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
  8. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A medium-sized bowl to combine ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
  • Electric mixer - A handheld or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar.
  • Loaf pan - A baking pan specifically designed for making bread loaves.
  • Wire rack - Used for cooling the bread after baking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure ingredients.
  • Spatula - For scraping the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
  • Toothpick - To check if the bread is fully baked by inserting into the center.
  • Oven - To bake the banana bread.

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate twist.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top of the batter before baking for a cinnamon sugar crust.
  • Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
  • Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce.
  • Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon for a boozy kick.
  • Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
  • Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our delicious homemade banana bread recipe! This comforting and tasty recipe is a great way to use up those extra ripe bananas. This bread is soft, moist, and filled with the beautiful banana flavor paired with the nutty crunch of walnuts. It's simple to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert. This recipe will guide you through the process of making banana bread from scratch, including the steps for combining the ingredients, mixing the dough, and baking the bread to perfection. The end result is a warm, delectable loaf that's great for sharing...or keeping to yourself! So, gather your ingredients and let's get started on your new favorite banana bread recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste of the bread may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter if you don't have unsalted butter on hand. Just reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe by 1/4 teaspoon.
  3. Can I omit the walnuts? Certainly! If you don't like walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can skip adding them to the recipe. The banana bread will still turn out delicious.
  4. How do I know when the bread is done baking? Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and then check again.
  5. Can I freeze the banana bread? Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Use for combining ingredients.
  • Spatula - Helps in scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
  • Whisk - Use to mix the dry ingredients together.
  • Loaf pan - Required for baking the banana bread.
  • Wire rack - Use to cool the banana bread after baking.
  • Toothpick - Inserted into the center of the bread to check for doneness.

Origin stories

Banana bread, a moist, sweet, cake-like bread, is a quintessential American classic that actually rose to popularity in the 1930s. This was a time of great economic hardship due to the Great Depression, and homemakers didn't want to waste anything, even overripe bananas. At the same time, baking powder and baking soda became widely available, which made it possible to bake bread without yeast. Banana bread became even more popular in the 1960s, when variations were printed on the backs of flour and baking powder packaging. This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations, and it's a testament to creativity and resourcefulness in times of need.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.