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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Banana Bread - the winner


John loves banana bread that has a nice crisp to the top. I've explained to him that you can't get that nice crisp when you don't add fat to the recipe... we've had this discussion many a time... but he doesn't believe me. To proove this point I made this recipe last week and he said it was amazing, perfect texture inside, perfect crisp on top. The secret, I used butter.

Now don't get all excited, I only used 3 Tbs. But it was enough to get that glorious crisp texture. John wasn't too pleased about that, or the fact there is 1/2 white flour 1/2 whole wheat, but lets face the facts, he loved it, and it's still not horrible for you. I'm not saying I don't love my fat free banana breads, but this one does win out for that top layer crunchy texture.

In the past week I've made this twice... both loaves lasted under 24 hours in our house...


New Favorite Banana Bread
recipe by steph chows

In a medium bowl whisk together dry (then set aside):
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt

In a large bowl cream together:
3 tbs butter (softened)
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup splenda (or another 1/2 cup white sugar)
2 Tbs brown sugar

Then beat in:
2 eggs (one at a time)
1/3 cup fat free plain yogurt (look at the label, buy a brand with the least amount of sugar in it)
1 1/2 cups mashed super ripe bananas (about 4)
1 tsp vanilla

Gently mix dry into wet and pour into a greased 8.5 x 4 loaf pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about an hour, or until a tester comes out clean.

26 comments:

  1. Yum. Banana bread! I could go for some of that right now!

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  2. wow, that looks delicious! I love how you made it healthier with such small and easy tweaks!

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  3. ha that's about how long quickbread lasts in our house! we're like vultures :)

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  4. Steph, your husband is a champion of healthful eating? Color me impressed! Banana bread looks beautiful, and as healthy as banana bread gets!

    Laura

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  5. Natalie- hahaha yeah we can be pretty bad with some things for sure!

    Laura- He is!! I'm even surprised he ate any of it knowing there was butter and white flour in it! although... then there would have been more for me...

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  6. That recipe sounds great. My wife and I have started putting zucchini in most of our fruit-breads and muffins. Great taste!

    Jason L.
    Northern Virginia Hypnotherapist

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  7. Perfect timing! I have three bananas waiting to be made into bread and your recipe looks terrific.

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  8. I love banana bread! Your recipe looks great!

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  9. Oo love how this sounds both healthy and absolutely delicious! I usually use HungryGirl's recipe for banana bread--but I will use this next time!

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  10. Love how you've lightened up your banana bread! I especially love the yogurt in there. Yum!

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  11. oh banana bread!!! and not a super unhealthy version!! SCORE!
    -meg
    @http://clutzycooking.blogspot.com
    @http://myscribblednotebook.blogspot.com

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  12. I'm imagining some chocolate better butter slathered on top of the banana bread :)

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  13. I love adding zucchini too! Especially in the summer when it's everywhere!

    let me know how it compares to hungry girls recipe!

    OOOO my better butter on top would be AMAZING!!!!

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  14. Oh man that looks amazing! Now I'm craving banana bread... yikes ;)

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  15. looks super yummy!

    i wonder though, could you use nut butter or that My Better Butter that you posted about before instead of normal butter?

    just a thought!

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  16. I love banana bread and I'm always looking for new recipes to use! This looks delicious.

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  17. I love banana bread and I'm always looking for new recipes to use! This looks delicious.

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  18. hmmmm marty good call... I'll have to try it!!!

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  19. You know, I do have a bunch of bananas threatening to turn completely black right now... They seem to be begging to get baked into bread! This one looks tasty.

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  20. Sometimes you just gotta break out the butter! Your bread proves that a little bit goes a long way. I'm surprised that 3 tbsp was all it took for the crispy top texture. I guess I'll have to give it a try!

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  21. That looks like the perfect loaf of bread Steph! So beautiful and golden. I can see why it didn't last long!

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  22. You know, I do have a bunch of bananas threatening to turn completely black right now... They seem to be begging to get baked into bread! This one looks tasty.

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  23. I love banana bread and I'm always looking for new recipes to use! This looks delicious.

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  24. I love banana bread! Your recipe looks great!

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  25. That recipe sounds great. My wife and I have started putting zucchini in most of our fruit-breads and muffins. Great taste!

    Jason L.
    Northern Virginia Hypnotherapist

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  26. Steph, your husband is a champion of healthful eating? Color me impressed! Banana bread looks beautiful, and as healthy as banana bread gets!

    Laura

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Hi everyone thanks so much for stopping by! I love all the comments! :)