Flour’s Famous Banana Bread

Dino has been saying that this is the best banana bread that he’s ever had, and I agree – it was really tasty…but it was kind of a hassle to make. It dirtied up a ton of pans, and it stuck to the loaf pan, which is something that I haven’t run into with other banana bread recipes before. I don’t understand the point of the parchment paper. I think it would have worked better if the pan was greased instead. Either way, it was worth the hassle, because it tastes wonderful! I used some Vietnamese cinnamon from Penzeys, and it really enhanced the flavor. Yum!

Flour’s Famous Banana Bread
Food Network – Recipe courtesy Chef Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery in Boston

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
3 1/2 bananas, very ripe, mashed
2 tablespoons creme fraiche or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Set oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Beat sugar and eggs with a whisk until light and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Drizzle in oil. Add mashed bananas, creme fraiche, and vanilla. Fold in dryingredients and nuts. Pour into a lined loaf pan and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Big Flavors Rating: 5 Stars