Luscious Yogurt Banana Bread
This Luscious Yogurt Banana Bread takes the classic recipe to new heights, achieving a uniquely moist and tender crumb thanks to the addition of creamy yogurt. Developed from my delightful experience of catering to a banana-bread-skeptic husband, this recipe transforms the typical banana bread experience. With an irresistible banana flavor complemented by crunchy toasted nuts and a hint of vanilla, it's a delicious treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Best of all, the loaves freeze beautifully—simply wrap them in foil and store them in the freezer for easy thawing when you're craving a slice of happiness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
1/2 cup (softened)
Sugar
1 cup
Eggs
2 large (slightly beaten)
Very Ripe Banana
1 cup (mashed (about 3 medium))
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Flour
1 1/2 cups
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Plain Yogurt
3/4 cup
Chopped Nuts
1 cup (preferably toasted)
Wheat Germ
2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter (or margarine) and sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add the slightly beaten eggs to the bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
Incorporate the mashed very ripe bananas and vanilla extract into the mixture, blending until smooth.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
7
Fold in the plain yogurt and chopped toasted nuts, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
8
Grease two small (7 x 3-inch) loaf pans or one large (9 x 5-inch) loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
9
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. If desired, sprinkle wheat germ over the top for additional nutrition.
10
Bake the small loaves for 1 hour and the large loaf for 80 minutes. To ensure doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
11
Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is yogurt used in this banana bread?
Yogurt is added to achieve a uniquely moist and tender crumb that transforms the typical banana bread experience.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do I bake a large 9x5-inch loaf?
A large loaf requires 80 minutes of baking time.
How long should I bake the smaller 7x3-inch loaves?
The small loaves should be baked for 1 hour.
What size loaf pans can be used for this recipe?
You can use two small (7 x 3-inch) loaf pans or one large (9 x 5-inch) loaf pan.
Can this banana bread be frozen?
Yes, the loaves freeze beautifully and can be stored for easy thawing later.
How should I store the banana bread in the freezer?
Simply wrap the loaves in foil and store them in the freezer.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of plain yogurt.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine.
How many bananas are needed?
You need 1 cup of mashed bananas, which is approximately 3 medium-sized very ripe bananas.
Should the bananas be ripe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
What type of nuts are recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 cup of chopped nuts, preferably toasted.
Is wheat germ a required ingredient?
No, wheat germ is an optional ingredient used for additional nutrition and can be sprinkled on top.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before removing them.
Where should the bread cool after removing it from the pan?
After the initial cooling period, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely.
What is the first step in the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How should the eggs be prepared?
The two large eggs should be slightly beaten before being added to the mixture.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Incorporate the vanilla extract along with the mashed bananas after creaming the butter and sugar.
Should I mix the dry ingredients separately?
Yes, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients.
How should I combine the dry and wet mixtures?
Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
When do I add the nuts and yogurt?
Fold in the plain yogurt and chopped toasted nuts after the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
How do I prepare the loaf pans?
Grease the pans with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
What is the flavor profile of this bread?
It has an irresistible banana flavor complemented by crunchy toasted nuts and a hint of vanilla.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is a delicious treat suitable for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Is this recipe considered a quick bread?
Yes, this is a quick bread recipe that uses baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents.
What texture should the butter and sugar have after creaming?
They should be creamed together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of flour.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
The specific calorie count is not provided in the nutritional data, but the recipe contains 12 ingredients.