Banana Bread

Banana Bread

Source; Martha Stewart Living, August 2004.........Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups unbleached flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup mashed very ripe bananas

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts, and pour into prepared pan.

Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.

Variations

To make the cream cheese frosting-filled banana bread ........in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together 6 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth. Once bread is baked and cooled, halve horizontally. Using an offset spatula, spread cream cheese frosting evenly over bottom half. Top with remaining half; slice and serve.

******I used an 8 oz. brick of cream cheese and added a few Tbsp. of confectioner's sugar because we like it sweeter. Sometimes I omit the walnuts.

Fresh out of the oven and cooling.

 Cut in half the Banana Bread and smothered with the creamy cream cheese.

 Ready and sprinkled with confectioner' sugar (icing sugar).

 Delicious with a cup of tea.......my Mom's old Wedgwood Platter.

Thanks for stopping by!!!!!