Banana Bread

Everyone needs a good banana bread recipe. This one is tried and true. It's healthier than many, with only a quarter cup of butter (or coconut oil) - but it does have a cup of sugar in it's not exactly health food.

Sometimes I make my banana bread plain and simple, other times I'll throw in a cup or so of some additional ingredient. I always try and save a banana to slice horizontally and place on top before baking.

Additional ingredient ideas:

-shredded coconut
-walnuts or pecans (toast them slightly before adding them to the batter for a nuttier flavor)
-quartered strawberries
-branflakes
-dried fruit such as apricots, blueberries, raisins, prunes, cherries....
-chocolate chips
-peanut butter chips for those who like peanut butter and banana sandwiches!
-grated zucchini or carrot
-a shot of rum
-a handfull of seeds such as flax, sunflower, pumpkin....

The loaf in the photo above was baked with 1/2 c shredded coconut and 1/2 c bran flakes added, with a little coconut sprinkled on top.

Banana Bread

3-4 very ripe bananas and one extra to slice and place on top
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1/4 c (half a stick) of unsalted butter, melted - or coconut oil, warmed to liquid state
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup or thereabouts of your mix in

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter or oil a loaf pan.

In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a potato masher or fork until well mashed. Some lumps are fine. Whisk in the eggs, melted butter, vanilla and salt and stir to combine well. If you are adding a wet mix in such as grated zucchini you can add it now. Add the flour and baking soda and stir until combined. At this point you can add in your dry mix in. Don't over stir.

Pour the batter in to the greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes. Time will vary slightly depending on the length and width of your pan. You want the bread to be golden brown and if you stick a tooth pick or knife in the center it shouldn't be wet when you pull it out.

Let cool for at least 15 minutes before removing. To remove, run a knife around the edges and tap the pan sideways on the counter with your hand ready to catch the bread.

Enjoy and let me know what kind of additions you like to add!