Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe

Ina Garten’s Banana Bread recipe is a treasure in my collection of baked goods.

It’s a foolproof recipe that yields a moist, flavorful loaf every time, and the sour cream is the secret ingredient that sets it apart, ensuring a tender crumb. 

Here’s a tip:

If you want an extra touch of decadence, fold in a handful of chocolate chips or walnuts before baking.

What I love about this recipe is its reliability and the way it turns overripe bananas into a delectable treat.

How To Make Ina Garten Banana Bread

Ingredients List

To make Ina Garten’s delicious banana bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose or white whole-wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 medium bananas, overripe and mashed
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and lemon juice)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or toasted pecans

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat.

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until well combined.

Add the mashed bananas, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Stir until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet banana mixture to the dry flour mixture, stirring until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread.

If you’re using chocolate chips or pecans, fold them in now.

Step 5

Carefully pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 6

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

If the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 7

Once the banana bread is done baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Afterward, remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack.

Slice and enjoy your Ina Garten banana bread!

Side Dishes For Ina Garten Banana Bread

Looking for delicious side dishes to compliment your Ina Garten Banana Bread?

Here are some options that are sure to elevate the overall tasting experience.

Fruit Salad

A light and refreshing fruit salad makes for a delightful accompaniment to your Ina Garten Banana Bread.

You can mix fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi to add a burst of color and flavor that complements the rich taste of the bread.

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

Serve your Ina Garten Banana Bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

This simple addition instantly transforms your delicious banana bread into a delectable dessert that you won’t be able to resist.

Yogurt and Honey

For a healthier option, you can serve your Ina Garten Banana Bread with a side of plain or flavored yogurt drizzled with honey.

This not only adds a smooth, tangy contrast to the bread but also provides you with a delicious balance of flavors.

Remember to enjoy your Ina Garten Banana Bread with these tasty side dishes.

They will undoubtedly enhance the flavors of your banana bread and make your dining experience all the more enjoyable.

Ingredients Substitutes 

Here, we will share some substitutes that you can consider to create a delicious Banana Bread.

Vanilla Extract substitute

If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can replace it with an equal amount of maple syrup or almond extract.

These alternatives will impart a unique flavor to your banana bread that still complements the other ingredients.

Flour

When making Ina Garten’s banana bread, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour or white flour if needed.

Both alternatives will work but may result in a slightly different texture.

Cake flour will produce a lighter, delicate crumb, while white flour will yield denser bread.

How To Store Ina Garten Banana Bread

To keep your Ina Garten banana bread fresh and moist, it’s essential to store it properly.

Here are some methods that you can use:

Plastic Wrap

After allowing your banana bread to cool completely on a wire rack, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

This will seal in moisture and keep your loaf of bread fresh for up to three days at room temperature.

Be sure to press out any excess air before sealing the plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out.

Brown Paper

If you want to avoid using plastic, another method to store Ina Garten’s banana bread is wrapping it in brown paper.

This will help wick away excess moisture while still keeping the bread fresh.

Wrap the cooled loaf or muffin cups with brown paper, and then store it in an airtight container, such as a bread box or metal tin, to keep it fresh for up to two days.

Wire Rack

To maintain the texture and taste of your freshly baked Ina Garten banana bread, let it cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

This will prevent the bread from becoming too damp on the bottom due to trapped steam during the cooling process.

Once the bread has cooled, you can then wrap it using either the plastic wrap or brown paper methods mentioned above.

Please remember to use fresh bananas when making Ina Garten’s banana bread.

Properly storing your delicious homemade banana bread will ensure that you and your loved ones enjoy every last bite.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Ina Garten Banana Bread:

Using Underripe Bananas

To achieve a perfect banana bread recipe with a delightful banana flavor, always use overripe bananas.

Underripe green bananas are not suitable for this recipe as they are too firm and lacking in flavor.

Overripe bananas are brown, spotty, and slightly mushy, giving the bread moisture, sweetness, and a robust flavor.

Improper Measurement of Flour

When measuring flour, avoid packing it too tightly.

A common mistake is using too much flour, which results in a dry and dense loaf.

Instead, use a spoon to gently scoop the flour into the measuring cup, leveling it off with a knife.

This will ensure the right amount of flour for a moist and fluffy texture.

Skipping the Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract

Don’t underestimate the importance of including a teaspoon of vanilla extract in your recipe.

This enhances the overall flavor of your banana bread and provides a pleasant aroma.