3 Way Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic dessert that I’m sure many of us have made these last few months in quarantine. The perfect way to dispose of those overripe bananas, and create something delicious in return. In this recipe, I’m showing you 3 different ways to add some pizazz to your banana bread and make it next level. Each method uses the same batter recipe, just with a few different mix ins. The 3 different bakes include: banana nut with a sweet crumb topping, banana with an orange zest & vanilla glaze, and banana with chocolate chips & a chocolate drizzle. Simple, yet a great way to incorporate new flavors and enhance this classic recipe.
3 Way Banana Bread
3 different ways to spice up your banana bread. This recipe makes one banana bread in a full 10'' loaf pan.
Equipment
- 10'' Loaf Pan
- Electric mixer / Stand mixer
Ingredients
Batter - use for all 3 methods
- 2 cups flour, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 stick butter (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 overripe mashed bananas
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 tsp sour cream
- 1/4 cup half and half
Method 1: Banana Nut with a Sweet Crumb Topping
- 1 cup crushed & slightly roasted assorted nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.)
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 stick melted butter
Method 2: Banana with an Orange Zest & Vanilla Glaze
- 1 1/2 tbsp orange zest (divided)
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Method 3: Banana with Chocolate Chips & Chocolate Drizzle
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (can use mini chocolate chips too)
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp melted chocolate chips
Instructions
How to Make the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 10'' loaf pan with parchment paper that has been lightly greased and floured.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, adding eggs one at a time. Then add both white and brown sugars. Blend together until smooth. Add in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream and continue to mix until combined. Gradually, add in the flour mixture. Lastly, add the half and half.
- Set batter aside, and continue with the instructions for your selected method below.
Method 1: Banana Nut with a Sweet Crumb Topping
- First, prepare the sweet crumb topping. Melt the butter in microwave. In a small bowl, use a fork to mix the melted butter and flour together until it reaches a crumbly consistency.
- On the bottom of the 10'' loaf pan, sprinkle 1/3 of the sweet crumb topping and the crushed nuts. Pour half the batter in, and repeat this step. Finally, pour the remainder of the batter and add the rest of the sweet crumbs and crushed nuts on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Method 2: Banana with an Orange Zest & Vanilla Glaze
- Mix in 1 tbsp of the orange zest evenly into the batter. Pour batter into 10'' loaf pan. Take the remaining 1/2 tbsp of the orange zest and sprinkle on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While this bakes, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, take the 1 cup of confectioners sugar and add 2 tbsp milk. Mix well until a runny consistency. Set aside or refrigerate. Once the banana bread has cooled, you can add the glaze topping.
Method 3: Banana with Chocolate Chips & Chocolate Drizzle
- Mix 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly to the batter. Pour batter into 10'' loaf pan. Use the remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While this bakes, prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a small bowl, take 1 cup of confectioners sugar and add the 2 tbsp milk and 2 tbsp melted chocolate chips. Mix well until a runny consistency. Set aside or refrigerate. Once the banana bread has cooled, you can add the chocolate drizzle topping.
