Decadent Banana Pecan Bread with Sweet Topping
Get ready to experience the ultimate banana bread! This Decadent Banana Pecan Bread is not just your average quick bread; it’s a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). With its perfectly moist crumb, caramelized pecan topping, and rich banana flavor, this recipe has been raved about by many, including its original creator, nlb. From the Junior League of Austin's 'Necessities & Temptations', this banana bread incorporates buttery goodness and ripe bananas to create a divinely sweet treat that's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Serve it warm out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for an extra indulgent experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
6 tablespoons (Melted)
Dark brown sugar
10 tablespoons (Packed)
Milk
3 tablespoons (None)
Chopped pecans
1 cup (Toasted (if desired))
Butter
1 cup (Softened)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (None)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Very ripe bananas
4 (Mashed (or 1 3/4 cup))
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Buttermilk
4 tablespoons (None)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Baking powder
3/4 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
In a separate bowl, mash the 4 very ripe bananas until smooth. Beat the 2 eggs in another bowl, then mix them into the mashed bananas along with the vanilla extract and buttermilk. Combine these wet ingredients well.
4
Gradually add the banana mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until fully combined.
5
In another bowl, sift together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add this dry mixture to the banana mixture and beat until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped pecans (more if desired) into the batter.
7
Pour the batter evenly into two greased and floured 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Note: This bread may need a full hour or more based on your oven.
9
While the bread is cooling slightly in the pan, prepare the topping: In a small saucepan, melt another 6 tablespoons of butter. Add in 10 tablespoons of dark brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of milk. Cook the mixture on medium heat until it becomes syrupy, stirring occasionally.
10
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans. Pour this pecan topping generously over the warm banana bread, spreading it to the corners.
11
Place the topped banana bread under the broiler for 1 minute, watching closely until bubbly and brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Banana Pecan Bread?
It is a rich, moist quick bread featuring a fusion of caramelized pecan topping and deep banana flavor, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
What makes this banana bread recipe unique?
This recipe is distinguished by its syrupy pecan topping that is broiled at the end for a bubbly, caramelized finish.
How many bananas are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 very ripe bananas, which should yield approximately 1 and 3/4 cups when mashed.
What should the oven temperature be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the bread need to bake?
Baking typically takes 45 to 50 minutes, though it may require a full hour depending on your specific oven.
What ingredients are used in the sweet topping?
The topping consists of 6 tablespoons of melted butter, 10 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and chopped pecans.
How do I know when the banana bread is fully cooked?
The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
What size loaf pans are needed?
The recipe requires two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans that have been greased and floured.
What is the secret to a fluffy batter?
Creaming the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for the texture of the bread.
Should the pecans in the batter be toasted?
Toasting the pecans is optional but recommended if you desire a deeper nutty flavor.
How do I prepare the topping?
Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in dark brown sugar and milk, cook until syrupy, then stir in chopped pecans.
What is the final step after adding the topping?
Place the bread under the broiler for 1 minute until the topping is bubbly and brown.
Can I add more pecans than the recipe states?
Yes, you can fold more than 1 cup of chopped pecans into the batter if desired.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 4 tablespoons of buttermilk are used to add moisture and react with the leavening agents.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 2 eggs, which should be beaten before being mixed into the wet ingredients.
Does the recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
This recipe uses both: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder.
How should I serve Decadent Banana Pecan Bread?
It is best served warm from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for an extra indulgent experience.
What should I avoid when mixing the dry and wet ingredients?
Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; beat until just combined.
Where does this recipe originate?
The recipe is from the Junior League of Austin's cookbook titled 'Necessities & Temptations'.
What type of sugar is used for the topping?
Dark brown sugar is used to provide a rich, molasses-like flavor to the caramelized topping.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 cup of softened butter for the bread and an additional 6 tablespoons of melted butter for the topping.
Can I use regular bananas instead of 'very ripe' ones?
For the best flavor and sweetness, it is highly recommended to use very ripe bananas.
Is vanilla extract included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the banana mixture for aromatic depth.
How much salt is required?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt in the dry ingredient mixture.
What is the best way to cool the bread?
Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan while you prepare the topping, then cool further after broiling.
How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the loaf pans are thoroughly greased and then dusted with flour before adding the batter.
Can I use white sugar for the topping instead?
The recipe specifically recommends dark brown sugar to achieve the correct syrupy consistency and flavor.
Is this recipe considered a dessert or a breakfast item?
It is versatile enough to be served as breakfast, a snack, or a decadent dessert.
What total number of ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 distinct ingredients required to make both the bread and the sweet topping.