Cook's Illustrated Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe
There is nothing quite as comforting as a loaf of freshly baked banana bread. The aroma of warm banana and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone's mouth water. However, not all banana bread recipes are created equal. Some are too dry, too dense, or lack flavor. That's where Cook's Illustrated Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe comes in.
What Makes Cook's Illustrated Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe So Special?
Cook's Illustrated is a trusted source for recipes and cooking tips. Their team of test cooks and editors tirelessly works to perfect each recipe they publish. Their Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe is no exception.
What sets this recipe apart from others is the use of browned butter. Browning the butter gives it a nutty, rich flavor that takes this banana bread to the next level. The recipe also calls for an extra ripe banana, which adds extra sweetness and moisture.
The addition of sour cream and a touch of cornmeal yields a tender crumb and a slight crunch to the crust. The cinnamon and vanilla extracts give it a warm, comforting flavor that is perfect for any time of day.
The Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until butter is browned and has a nutty aroma, about 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, mash 2 of the bananas with a fork.
- Add the sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas. Mix until smooth.
- Peel and slice remaining banana diagonally into ¼-inch-thick slices.
- Add the cooled browned butter to the banana mixture and stir until combined.
- Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in cornmeal until just combined.
- Fold in the sliced bananas.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion
If you are a banana bread lover, you need to give Cook's Illustrated Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe a try. The browned butter, extra ripe banana, and sour cream make this recipe the ultimate comfort food that you will come back to time and time again.
What are you waiting for? Start baking and enjoy the warm, comforting flavor of the ultimate banana bread!