Ina Garten’s Perfect Banana Bread Recipe – Simply Amazing

Banana bread carries a magical charm that transforms ordinary kitchen moments into nostalgic memories.

Ina Garten’s signature banana bread recipe elevates this classic comfort food with remarkable simplicity and warmth.

Rich aromas will drift through your home, promising delectable sweetness in every slice.

Soft, moist textures characterize this beloved treat that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Professional techniques ensure a perfectly balanced loaf with deep, nuanced flavors.

Home bakers appreciate how straightforward ingredients combine to create something truly special.

Each carefully measured component contributes to an irresistible result that feels both comforting and elegant: prepare to fall in love with baking.

Why Banana Bread Is Always a Hit

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Richness: Ina Garten's recipe delivers an incredibly moist and tender banana bread that practically dissolves on your tongue, thanks to the perfect balance of ripe bananas and creamy butter.
• Foolproof Baking Magic: This recipe is so straightforward that even novice bakers can create a professional-quality quick bread with minimal effort, guaranteeing success every single time you mix the ingredients.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you're serving breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert, this banana bread works beautifully for multiple occasions – from casual family gatherings to sophisticated brunches with friends.
• Waste-Transforming Deliciousness: Rescue those overripe bananas sitting on your counter and turn them into a golden, fragrant loaf that celebrates natural sweetness while reducing food waste in the most delectable way possible.

What Goes Into Ina Garten’s Banana Bread

• Bananas: Ripe, spotty bananas offer the best sweet and rich flavor for the bread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Classic wheat flour provides the essential structure for the banana bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the bread.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's moisture.
• Sour Cream: Creates an incredibly moist and tender texture in the bread.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, delectable bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements the banana's natural sweetness.

• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with bananas.

Mixing Up Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your loaf pan and give it a quick butter and flour coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

Grab your ripest, most speckled bananas. Peel and mash them in a large bowl until they’re super smooth and creamy. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!

Step 3: Create Your Butter Magic

In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts happening!

Step 4: Egg-cellent Addition

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Watch your batter transform into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 5: Dry Ingredient Dance

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything will mix evenly and prevents any lumpy surprises.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract for an extra layer of deliciousness. Stir until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 7: Pan Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Greatness

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Celebrate

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade banana bread masterpiece!

Smart Tips for Ina Garten’s Banana Bread

• Ripen Those Bananas: Wait until bananas have dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor, which intensifies the natural banana taste in the bread.
• Sifting Matters: Gently sift flour through a fine-mesh strainer to break up clumps and introduce air, ensuring a lighter, more tender banana bread texture.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Stir the batter just until ingredients are combined, stopping as soon as no dry flour streaks remain to prevent developing tough, chewy bread.
• Flavor Boosters: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips for delightful crunch and extra richness that complements the banana's natural sweetness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Banana Bread

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by vacuum-sealing individual banana bread slices. Protect against freezer burn and preserve moisture, ensuring each slice tastes like it was just baked. Remove all air to prevent flavor degradation and extend storage life dramatically.
• Parchment Paper Layering: Separate banana bread slices with parchment paper before freezing. Create a barrier that prevents sticking and allows easy removal of single servings. Maintain bread's texture and prevent moisture condensation during storage.
• Room Temperature Container: Keep banana bread in a sealed ceramic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Place in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and soft texture, ensuring maximum enjoyment of homemade goodness.

Different Takes on Ina Garten’s Banana Bread

• Nutty Banana Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor that complements the sweet bananas perfectly.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Delight: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to create a decadent version that transforms the classic bread into an indulgent treat.
• Tropical Banana Fusion: Mix in shredded coconut and a splash of rum extract to give the banana bread a Caribbean-inspired profile that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread: Create a tangy cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the batter before baking, adding a luxurious and creamy element to the traditional recipe.

Wrapping Up the Banana Bread Delight

Banana bread emerges as more than mere sustenance—it’s pure comfort wrapped in a delectable slice.

Garten’s signature recipe elevates classic ingredients through precise techniques and balanced proportions.

Golden crumb and rich banana essence create culinary magic that connects generations of home cooks.

Mediterranean olive oil adds unexpected depth, making each bite memorable and sophisticated.

Gentle mixing and careful baking ensure moist, tender results that delight palates.

Sweet memories and warm kitchen aromas beckon readers to grab mixing bowls, share this recipe with loved ones, spread joy through baking, and spark conversations that celebrate simple kitchen pleasures—click that share button, drop a comment, and spread deliciousness everywhere.

Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s legendary banana bread delivers comforting warmth with rich, deep flavors from perfectly ripe bananas. Southern charm meets classic baking technique in this irresistible recipe you’ll want to share with everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt

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Instructions

1. Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan so the bread doesn’t stick.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a different large bowl, beat the brown sugar and butter with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Put the eggs and mashed bananas into the sugar and butter mix. Stir until everything is mixed well.
5. Slowly add the banana mixture to the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined, don’t overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it evenly.
7. Put the pan in the oven and bake for around 60 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean.
8. Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then take it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for more sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter.
• Add nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 48 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg