Banana Bread Friday

Hey ya'll I figured since it is fall and it is Friday, I would share with you my very favorite banana bread recipe. I have tried several different recipes and this one is by far the very best. It turns out perfect every time if you measure correctly! I believe that everyone can cook. Not everyone has cooking instincts but if you can read and follow directions your perfect meal or treat is within the steps! 

Banana bread is one of those quintessential fall foods. This recipe is a little lighter than most you will find because it uses applesauce instead of oil. The applesauce works to keep the bread moist while adding just a hint of extra flavor.

Start off by gathering your ingredients.  For this recipe you will need the following...
3 or 4 ripe bananas
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of applesauce (I use unsweetened but it doesn't matter)
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 large pinch of cinnamon (use your judgement here.  If you like more cinnamon throw more in but don't exceed 2 tsp.)
2 cups of flour

                      

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the banana's in a large bowl and take a fork and mash them like this. 

                       

Once they are completely mushed to the consistency of a paste put the 1 cup of sugar in with the banana's and mix well.  After adding the sugar I want you to go fold the laundry, watch some tv, brush your teeth or anything else you want to do for about 15 minutes.  If you are in a huge rush you don't have to wait these 15 minutes but the difference between the two options is noticeable.  These 15 minutes cause this bananas to absorb the sugar and become creamy almost like when you put sugars on strawberries they emulsify. Next you add the applesauce and eggs and mix well. Next add in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla and cinnamon.  Mix well.  It should be pretty thin at this point.  You then add in the 2 cups of flour about 1/2 a cup at a time.  After all the flour is mixed in you take your loaf pan, spray it with some non stick spray and dump all of the bread mixture in the pan making sure it is poured evenly.  Bake for about 45 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick in it and it comes out clean.  

                             

I promise this will be one of your favorite recipes!  I have not had a single person try it that didn't love it!  Try putting some salted butter on it when you eat it, it tastes even better!  

Enjoy! 

-Rachel