Cooking Light Banana Bread With Chocolate Glaze
Banana bread is a classic comfort food that's been enjoyed for generations. There's nothing quite like the smell of fresh banana bread baking in the oven, and the taste is even better. This Cooking Light banana bread recipe is not only delicious but also healthier than traditional recipes. With a chocolate glaze on top, this banana bread is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the banana bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 bananas)
- 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the chocolate glaze:
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed banana, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts, if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the banana bread is cooling, make the chocolate glaze. Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a small bowl in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Add the confectioners' sugar and whisk until smooth.
8. Spoon the chocolate glaze over the cooled banana bread. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- Make sure your bananas are ripe! Overripe bananas are actually better for banana bread because they're sweeter and softer, making them easier to mash.
- If you don't have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt instead.
- You can leave out the walnuts if you prefer, or substitute them with pecans or chocolate chips.
- To make the glaze thicker, add more confectioners' sugar. To make it thinner, add more milk.
This Cooking Light banana bread recipe is a healthier take on the classic comfort food. With a chocolate glaze on top, it's a delicious treat that you won't feel guilty about enjoying. Follow the instructions carefully and you'll have a perfectly moist and flavorful banana bread that's sure to impress!