Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe

This Ina Garten Banana Bread is a moist and tender recipe, which is made with ripe bananas and sour cream. It’s a classic comfort food, perfect for breakfast or a snack, and ready in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

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Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Ripe bananas: 3 large, mashed
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
• Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips

How To Make Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe

1. Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream or Greek yogurt until fully combined.
4. Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using, gently fold in your chosen mix-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips.
5. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before using the parchment paper overhang to lift it out. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips

• How do you get the most flavor? The key is to use overripe bananas—the ones with plenty of brown spots on the peel. They are much sweeter and have a more intense banana flavor, which makes for a more delicious bread.
• How do you get a tender, moist loaf? Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten, which can lead to a dense, tough bread. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear.
• How do I know when the bread is perfectly cooked? The toothpick test is the most reliable method. Insert a toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If there’s wet batter, it needs more time.
• Why is it important to cool the bread before slicing? Allowing the banana bread to cool completely is crucial. It helps the internal structure to set, ensuring you can get clean, neat slices that don’t fall apart.

What To Serve With Ina Garten Banana Bread

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a simple topping.

• A spread of soft butter or cream cheese on a warm slice.
• A drizzle of honey or a dollop of nut butter like almond or peanut butter.
• Served alongside fresh berries for a fresh pairing.
• A cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack.

How To Store Ina Garten Banana Bread

• Room Temperature: Store the banana bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: To extend its freshness, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Ina Garten Banana Bread Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~350 kcal per slice
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 25g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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