Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of incredibly moist banana bread, with a tantalizing orange glaze that transforms an ordinary quick bread into a culinary masterpiece. This isn't just any banana bread - it's a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell like heaven. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that will impress family and friends alike!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency. The bananas should be very soft and have minimal lumps.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan. Allow it to cool slightly before adding to the mashed bananas.
- Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana and butter mixture. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough, dense bread.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the orange glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Once the banana bread is completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to naturally run down the sides of the loaf.
- Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. The bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Always use overripe bananas - the darker and spottier, the better! They provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don't overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender and light.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or some chopped nuts to the batter.
- Check your baking soda's freshness - old leavening agents can result in flat, dense bread.
- Let the bread cool completely before glazing to prevent the orange glaze from becoming too runny.
- For a more intense orange flavor, you can add a bit of orange zest to both the bread batter and the glaze.
- Store the bread in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
