Dominique Ansels Banana Bread

If you’ve ever found yourself with a bunch of overripe bananas and you’re not quite sure what to do with them, look no further than this delightful recipe for Dominique Ansels Banana Bread. This isn’t just any banana bread; it’s a moist, flavorful treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of spice. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, you’ll find that this banana bread is a crowd-pleaser. So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into what makes this banana bread so extraordinary!

The Upside of Dominique Ansels Banana Bread

What sets Dominique Ansels Banana Bread apart from the rest? For starters, it boasts a rich flavor profile thanks to the perfect blend of ripe bananas, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness from the sugar. Plus, the use of buttermilk creates an incredible moist texture that will leave you coming back for slice after slice. This recipe is versatile, too: you can enjoy it plain or dress it up with your favorite toppings. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste by using those brown bananas that might otherwise go uneaten.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (from about 4 bananas)
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan

Before You Start: Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan – This is the ideal size for baking your banana bread.
• Mixing bowls – Use one for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
• Whisk – Perfect for combining your dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Rubber spatula – Great for folding in the wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to perfect banana bread.

Dominique Ansels Banana Bread in Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan with a bit of melted butter to prevent sticking later on.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and then add the sugar. Mix until well combined. Next, incorporate the mashed bananas and melted butter, stirring until everything is nicely blended.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Easy Ingredient Swaps

• Granulated sugar can be replaced with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
• Butter can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Nuts or chocolate chips can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Notes on Ingredients

The key to perfect banana bread lies in the bananas. Make sure to use ripe bananas, as they provide the best flavor and sweetness. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots for optimal ripeness. Also, the choice of flour can affect the texture; all-purpose flour yields the best results, but feel free to experiment with alternatives.

Storage & Reheat Guide

To store your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap them well and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Your Top Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How can I tell when my banana bread is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes! Adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips is a delicious way to enhance the flavor and texture of your banana bread. Just fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pan.

What can I do if my banana bread is too dense?

If your banana bread turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and mix just until combined for a lighter loaf.

Bring It Home

Now that you have all the tools and knowledge you need, it’s time to bring this recipe to life in your own kitchen. The aroma of fresh banana bread baking will fill your home with warmth and comfort, making it a delightful experience for everyone around. Try this recipe, and you might just find that Dominique Ansels Banana Bread becomes a staple in your baking repertoire. With its sweet, moist interior and perfectly balanced flavors, it’s a slice of heaven that you won’t want to miss out on. Enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones for a truly special treat!

Dominique Ansels Banana Bread

This Banana Bread is INCREDIBLE! Moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet, it’s the ultimate treat for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (from about 4 bananas)
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, plus more for greasing the pan

Equipment

• 9x5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Grease your 9x5-inch loaf pan with melted butter.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add sugar. Mix well, then add mashed bananas and melted butter, stirring until blended.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
• Store wrapped tightly for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.
• Freeze individual slices for longer storage, thaw at room temperature.