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Banana Bread

The bananas must be ripe to give the rich taste to this bread. The bread keeps well and tastes even better the next day. Exceptionally good toasted.
Banana Bread
Yield 1 loaf

Ingredients

  • 2 cups bread flour
  • 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2 1/4 teaspoons Red Star Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 tablespoon warm water (120-130°F)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2/3 cup (about 2 medium) bananas (mashed)

Instructions

  • In stand mixer bowl, add 1 cup bread flour, yeast, and salt; mix well. Add warm water and oil to flour mixture. Using a paddle attachment, blend on low speed for 30 seconds. Add egg, honey, vanilla and bananas; beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.
  • Switch to dough hook attachment. Gradually stir in whole wheat flour and enough remaining bread flour to make a firm dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes.
    (NOTE: For hand mixing: following above steps, mix ingredients in large mixing bowl using a wooden spoon or dough whisk. Knead on floured surface until smooth and elastic.)
  • Place dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease top. Cover; let rise until indentation remains after poking dough with finger down to second knuckle, about 2 hours.
  • On lightly floured surface, roll or pat dough to a 14x7-inch rectangle. Starting with shorter side, roll up tightly, pressing dough into roll with each turn. Pinch edges and ends to seal. Place in greased 8x4-inch or 9x5-inch bread pan. Cover; let rise until indentation remains when lightly touched.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Bake for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 375°F and bake 20 to 25 minutes longer until browned and loaves sound hollow when tapped. Bread is thoroughly baked when its internal temperature tests 190°F. Remove from pan; cool on rack.

Notes

Get Bread Machine Method here.
Bananas vary in liquid content. It is very important to check the dough consistency adding more water or more flour if needed.
Note: This is not a cake-like sweet banana bread.
Photo by Food Wanderings.