Best 2 Karens Banana Bread Recipes

Indulge in the classic flavors of Karen's banana bread, a delectable treat that has been enjoyed for generations. With its moist and tender crumb, sweet banana flavor, and a hint of walnuts for added texture, this banana bread is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, Karen's banana bread has got you covered. But that's not all! This versatile recipe also offers variations for those with different dietary preferences. Discover the gluten-free version for those with gluten sensitivities, the vegan version for plant-based enthusiasts, and the chocolate chip version for chocolate lovers. Each variation promises the same delicious banana bread experience, tailored to your specific dietary needs and preferences. Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey with Karen's banana bread and its irresistible variations.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST BANANA BREAD

The Best Banana Bread image

We have a lot of requirements when it comes to banana bread and we finally created a recipe that ticks all the boxes. It's moist, tender, a little tangy and perfectly sweet-all around our favorite one. The best part is that it's even better the next day (if it lasts that long). Try toasting the bread and slathering with a little salted butter. We're pretty sure you'll never need another banana bread recipe.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h30m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/2 cup melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil, plus more for greasing pan
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fine salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt
1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 soft, very ripe, darkly speckled medium bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter one 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.
Whisk together the flour, pecans, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisk together the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, brown sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl; stir in the mashed bananas. Fold the banana mixture into the flour mixture until just combined (it's OK if there are some lumps).
Pour the batter into the buttered pan and lightly tap the pan on the counter to evenly distribute the batter. Bake until browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out completely clean, about 1 hour. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

BANANA BREAD

Banana Bread image

Here is an easy way to use up the bananas on the countertop, or brown ones thrown in the back of the freezer. Don't overmix the ingredients, and make sure the bananas are very ripe.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories weekday, dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1/4 pound cool butter (1 stick), more for greasing pan
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 1/3 cups very ripe bananas (about 5)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
1 tablespoon granulated or coarse sugar
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Using electric mixer, cream butter until smooth and fluffy. Add sugar and cream together 2 minutes more. One at a time, mix in eggs. Mix in bananas until only small lumps remain.
Stir dry ingredients together and mix into banana mixture just until combined. Pour into prepared pan. If making topping, stir ingredients together and sprinkle over batter.
Bake about 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack and let cool completely before wrapping tightly for storage.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 243, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 168 milligrams, Sugar 15 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

Use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
Mash the bananas thoroughly. This will help to ensure that the banana bread is smooth and moist.
Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the banana bread tough.
Bake the banana bread at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 55-65 minutes. Or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the banana bread cool completely before slicing and serving. This will help to prevent the bread from crumbling.

Conclusion:

Karen's banana bread is a classic recipe that is easy to make and always a hit. With its moist, flavorful crumb and sweet banana flavor, this bread is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you'll love this recipe. So next time you have some ripe bananas on hand, be sure to give Karen's banana bread a try. You won't be disappointed!