James Beard Banana Bread
James Beard Banana Bread is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with unbeatable flavor, making it a must-try for any home baker. This recipe features ripe bananas as the star ingredient, lending natural sweetness and a moist texture to every bite. Infused with a hint of vanilla and a touch of tangy lemon juice, the flavor profile is perfectly balanced, while a smooth blend of creamed butter and sugar ensures a tender crumb. With a quick 15-minute prep time and easy step-by-step directions, this banana bread bakes to golden perfection in just an hour. Whether enjoyed as a comforting breakfast, midday snack, or dessert, this loaf offers warmth and nostalgia in every slice. Perfect for using up overripe bananas, it’s a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss treat that pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Peel the bananas and mash them in a small bowl using a fork. Stir in the milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, mixing until just combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2467 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.2 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.1 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 499 mg | 166% | |
| Sodium | 2246 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 452.6 g | 165% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 236.2 g | ||
| Protein | 41.8 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 152 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 1440 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
