Moist and Soft Banana Bread

Banana bread, born out of resourcefulness during the Great Depression in the United States, holds a captivating history. Originally crafted to salvage overripe bananas, this moist and sweet bread garnered popularity and developed various forms with added ingredients like nuts and chocolate. In the Philippines, where banana cultivation thrives, banana bread has found a cherished spot, enjoyed throughout the day alongside traditional Filipino meals or as a heartwarming gift during festivities. Reflecting the country's culture of sharing, it has become a symbol of warmth and camaraderie. The Philippines also offers its twist with "banana pandesal," a fusion of the classic Filipino bread roll with the sweetness of bananas, encapsulating the evolution and adaptation of banana bread in the nation's culinary landscape.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: Approximately 275

Total Fat: 13g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 18mg

Sodium: 243mg

Total Carbohydrates: 38g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 19g

Protein: 3g

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes (baking time)

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes (including prep and baking)

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, depending on how thick you slice your banana bread.

Please note that the nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on factors like the size of your banana, the specific mix-ins you choose, and the accuracy of your measurements. It's always a good idea to calculate nutrition facts based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use if you require precise dietary information.

Ingredients:

3-4pcs Overripe banana (mashed)

1pc Egg

½ cup Vegetable oil

½ cup Honey or brown sugar

1 tsp Vanilla extract

½ tbsp. White vinegar

¼ cup Milk or plain yogurt

1 ½ cup All-purpose flour

½ tsp Salt

1 tsp Baking soda

¼ tsp Cinnamon powder (optional)

½ cup mix-ins chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins (optional)

Directions:

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes. Grease a loaf pan with butter or oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2:

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon powder. Add the mix-ins of your choice (chocolate chips, nuts, raisins) to the dry mixture. Toss to coat the mix-ins with flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

 

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, thoroughly mash the overripe bananas until smooth. Add the egg, oil, vanilla extract, honey, and white vinegar to the mashed bananas. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Pour in the milk (or yogurt) and continue to mix until the wet mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4:

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold and stir until no dry flour remains, but be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. This will ensure a tender and moist texture in your bread.

Step 5:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6:

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once completely cooled, slice your Banana Bread into thick, inviting slices. Enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. You can also serve it as a delightful dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips:

For an extra visual treat, you can sprinkle additional chocolate chips or place a few slices of fresh banana on top.

Experiment with different mix-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bread fresh and moist.

Serve & Enjoy! 💖