Banana Bread with a Twist

It is no secret to anybody that knows me well, that I   L . O. V. E.   to eat, and that I especially have a soft spot for freshly baked goodies. I can never resist the smell of freshly baked, anything! =)

I have always wanted to learn how to be able to bake, and not just bake anything and have it turn out O.K., I wanted to learn how to bake like the pros, from cakes, to cookies, to breads and everything in between.

I’ve only recently started to experiment and test out my baking abilities. And I love it so much! There is something magical to me about mixing, and stirring and whipping a few ingredients into each other, and have a different creation every time. I must say, for someone who is more or less a newbie into the baking/cooking world, I am (and everyone else who gets to try it) quite pleased with the results. =)

Today I wanted to share with you an easy & delicious Banana Bread recipe. I’ve been dying to try out this recipe for awhile, and finally managed to make it. Like the name suggests, this isn’t just any regular Banana Bread. It’s rich, moist, dense & delicious! And you’re probably wondering about the twist part? Well, that’s easy: it’s Poppy Seeds! When I told my mom I was going to attempt making Banana Bread, she asked me to add some poppy seeds into it, because she said it’s one of her favourites at Starbucks. And since I love anything with poppy seeds in it, I happily obliged. =)

This time around I am changing things up a bit in the order of how I list the recipe. One of my lovely readers reached out to me and asked if it was possible for me to list the ingredient list before all the step-by-step instructions, as opposed to at the end, like I used to, as it would be easier than scrolling up & down to find a piece of info.

Since, I am always open to constructive criticism, I am happy to make that change. =) I welcome you guys to tell me if the format of my posts works for you, or if there is anything you’d like me to change.

So, ’nuff talking! Lets get to baking!

Banana Bread with a Twist
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes, baking time: 60 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all purpose flour
1 level tsp baking soda
1/2 level tsp baking powder
1 stick or 1/2 cup of softened unsalted-butter
1 1/2 cups of white granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4-6 medium overripe bananas
1 tspn poppy seeds

Here is a visual:

A few things here: You’ll also need a mixer, mixing bowls, a loaf pan & cooking oil spray (or extra butter to grease the pan)

Also, if you’re really observant (or anal like me), you’ll notice I’m using 30% fat sour cream, because I am not afraid of fat. The more fat content, the tastier it is. So, let go, and go wild. You only live once! The end result will be a lot richer with a higher fat content sour cream.

I promise!

Ok, lets begin.

Start by sifting together flour, baking soda and baking powder into a mixing bowl.

Set aside.

Next, cream together softened (room temperature) unsalted butter and sugar.

When the butter & sugar are well incorporated, add the eggs and the vanilla extract and…

The sour cream and the milk. Mix well together on medium-high speed.

Now add in the dry ingredients (the flour mixture with the baking soda & the baking powder, remember?)

Mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Set aside.

Now the main ingredients! We save the best for last. =)

Peel and break the bananas into 2″-3″ pieces into a bowl and mash’em up into a smooth consistency.

When the bananas are nice and smooth, add in the poppy seeds & mix well together.

Now, gently & gradually pour the banana mixture into the rest of the ingredients and mix on med-high speed until it’s all well incorporated.

At this point, pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.

Spray your loaf pan with some cooking oil spray (or grease with butter, whatever rocks your boat, is cool with me )

Now just pour the mixture into the pan and pop it in the oven for an hour.

Do not open the oven for the first 25-30 minutes, to allow for the bread to rise nicely. At about 45-50 minutes start checking for readiness by poking a hole with a toothpick right in the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, then it’s ready!

And this is the goodness that is going to emerge out of your oven after about an hour. Doesn’t it look beautiful? I love the crack in the middle. Makes it look like real bread… YUM!!!

Oh, and it smells divine!

Are you wondering what it looks like inside?

Here ya go! It’s heavenly! Just look at that fresh, dense, rich, sweet (but not too sweet), delicious bread!! I’m salivating just looking at it now…

Go ahead, cut yourself a nice thick slice and enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee or milk.

You’ve got to make this soon. You will love this Banana Bread. It is one of the few things that is a guarantee in this life