Delicious Donna Hay'S Banana Bread Recipe: Easy Steps For Perfect Baking

Donna Hay's banana bread is a staple for many home bakers, known for its delightful taste and simplicity. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, this banana bread recipe brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas with a tender crumb, making it a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Here’s how you can create the perfect banana bread that captures all the essence of comfort food.

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Why Choose Banana Bread? 🍌

Banana bread is not just delicious; it’s also a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Additionally, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with various add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or spices. It offers a moist texture and rich flavor, making it perfect for any time of the day.

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Ingredients You Will Need 🛒

To make Donna Hay's delicious banana bread, gather the following ingredients:

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Ripe bananas</td> <td>3 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Brown sugar</td> <td>3/4 cup</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>2 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vanilla extract</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Plain flour</td> <td>1 1/2 cups</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Baking soda</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Salt</td> <td>1/2 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Unsalted butter (melted)</td> <td>1/2 cup</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chopped nuts (optional)</td> <td>1/2 cup</td> </tr> </table>

Important Note:

Ensure that your bananas are really ripe (with brown spots) as this will enhance the flavor of your bread.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Banana Bread 🥖

1. Preheat the Oven 🔥

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect rise and texture in your banana bread.

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2. Prepare the Bananas 🍌

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Leaving a few chunks can give your banana bread a nice texture!

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3. Mix Wet Ingredients 🥄

Add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and mix until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients 🥣

In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

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5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients 📏

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Be gentle to avoid over-mixing, as this can make the bread tough.

6. Add Melted Butter 🧈

Pour the melted butter into the batter and fold until just combined. If you are adding nuts, now is the time to fold them in too!

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7. Pour the Batter Into a Loaf Pan 🍞

Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

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8. Bake 🎂

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool Down ❄️

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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10. Slice and Enjoy! 🍽️

Once cooled, slice the banana bread and enjoy! It can be served plain or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or even peanut butter.

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Tips for the Best Banana Bread 🌟

• Banana Ripeness: The riper the banana, the better! Dark spots indicate maximum sweetness.
• Storage: Wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can last for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of banana bread for a quick snack later! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.

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Variations to Try 🌈

Feel free to get creative with this banana bread recipe! Here are some delicious variations:

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
• Nutty Banana Bread: Incorporate a mix of walnuts and pecans for extra crunch.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming flavor.
• Coconut Banana Bread: Include shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

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With these easy steps and tips for perfect baking, Donna Hay’s banana bread recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy the process of baking and savor every bite of this delightful treat! 🍞💛