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Mary’s Blue Ribbon Banana Bread

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Mary’s Blue Ribbon Banana Bread Recipe: A Classic, Award-Winning Delight

Introduction

Mary’s Blue Ribbon Banana Bread is a true classic, offering a perfect balance of moist, tender crumb and rich banana flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. This recipe, with its delightful hint of vanilla and the optional addition of crunchy walnuts, has won blue ribbons and a place in the hearts of many banana bread lovers. Banana bread is a versatile treat, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. By following Mary’s tried-and-true steps, you’ll be on your way to baking a loaf that’s fluffy, flavorful, and irresistibly moist. Let’s dive into how to make this timeless recipe, complete with pro tips and answers to frequently asked questions!

Ingredients for Mary’s Blue Ribbon Banana Bread

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature for easy creaming)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups ripe banana pulp (about 3-4 ripe bananas, mashed)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (for extra moisture and tenderness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-In

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (adds a nice crunch to the bread)

How to Make Mary’s Blue Ribbon Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat. Grease and flour a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift the Dry Ingredients
    In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and adds lightness to the bread.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
    In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, creating a soft texture in the finished bread.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

  1. Beat in the Eggs
    Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add Vanilla Extract
    Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated, enhancing the bread’s flavor with a hint of warmth and sweetness.

Step 4: Prepare the Banana Mixture

  1. Combine Bananas and Sour Cream
    In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then mix in the sour cream. This combination adds moisture and richness, giving the banana bread its soft and tender crumb.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients

  1. Add Bananas and Dry Ingredients Alternately
    With your mixer on a low speed, add the banana mixture and dry ingredients alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This gentle mixing helps prevent over-mixing, which can make the bread dense.
  2. Scrape Down the Bowl
    Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Stir in the walnuts if using.

Step 6: Final Mix and Bake

  1. Gently Combine Ingredients
    Mix only until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Over-beating can cause the banana bread to become tough.
  2. Pour Batter into Prepared Pan
    Transfer the batter into the greased and floured loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  3. Bake
    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the bread (avoiding the top crack) comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  1. Cool the Bread
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan.
  2. Slice and Enjoy
    Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your warm, moist, and flavorful banana bread with a cup of tea or coffee!
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Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

  • Use Overripe Bananas
    For the best flavor and texture, use bananas that are heavily speckled or brown. These bananas are sweeter and add extra moisture to the bread.
  • Don’t Over-Mix the Batter
    Mixing too vigorously can result in a dense and tough loaf. Mix gently and only until the ingredients are just combined.
  • Test for Doneness Carefully
    When testing for doneness, insert a tester or toothpick to the side of the crack on top. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
  • Add Walnuts for Texture
    Chopped walnuts add a wonderful crunch and flavor to banana bread. Toast them lightly before adding for even more depth.
  • Store Properly
    To keep your banana bread moist, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream in banana bread. It provides similar moisture and tang, which enhances the bread’s flavor and texture.

Q2: How can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
To make gluten-free banana bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.

Q3: Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil for the butter. However, butter adds a rich flavor to the banana bread, so the taste may differ slightly.

Q4: How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf (avoiding the top crack) to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, your banana bread is ready.

Q5: Why is my banana bread too dense?
Dense banana bread is often the result of over-mixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and mix just until combined.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious variation. Stir in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Q7: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well in banana bread. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding them to the batter.

Q8: How should I store leftover banana bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q9: Why does my banana bread have a crack on top?
A crack on top is completely normal and results from the bread rising in the oven. It’s a classic sign of homemade banana bread!

Mary’s Blue Ribbon Banana Bread is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to bake a quick, foolproof loaf that’s packed with flavor. With a soft, moist crumb and optional walnuts for crunch, this banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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