Welcome to the world of Ultra Rich Banana Bread, where the delightful sweetness of ripe bananas meets the nutty crunch of almonds. This recipe stands out with its rich texture and deep flavor, making it a must-try for both banana bread lovers and those new to the treat.
Sugar provides sweetness and helps achieve that lovely golden crust. Butter adds richness and moisture to the bread. Eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring everything holds together nicely. The star of the show, bananas, bring natural sweetness and moisture. Almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor, complementing the vanilla extract which enhances the overall aroma. Flour forms the structure, while baking soda ensures your bread rises beautifully. A pinch of salt balances the flavors, and chopped almonds add a satisfying crunch.
This banana bread is fantastic on its own but try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For breakfast, pair it with a smear of cream cheese or butter, and enjoy it alongside a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate for a cozy start to your day.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with a bit of butter or spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or a bit longer if you're doing it by hand.
Next, add your eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure they're fully incorporated. Once that's done, stir in your mashed bananas, almond milk, and vanilla extract. You'll want to mix until everything is just combined, giving you a smooth, fragrant batter.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently. The key here is to mix until just combined to avoid a dense loaf. Finally, fold in the chopped almonds, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 60-70 minutes. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it firm up nicely.