fanny farmer banana bread recipe

3 min read 22-11-2024

Meta Description: Dive into the world of classic baking with our in-depth guide to the iconic Fanny Farmer banana bread recipe. Learn the secrets to moist, perfectly spiced loaves, complete with variations and expert tips. Discover why this recipe remains a timeless favorite, and elevate your baking game today!

The Enduring Legacy of Fanny Farmer Banana Bread

Fanny Farmer, a name synonymous with reliable baking, gave us more than just a cookbook. Her methods and recipes, including her famous banana bread, have stood the test of time. This isn't just any banana bread; it's a slice of history, a comforting classic, and the perfect recipe for bakers of all levels. This recipe focuses on achieving a moist, perfectly textured loaf with a subtle sweetness and delightful spiced notes. Let's dive in!

The Classic Fanny Farmer Banana Bread Recipe

This recipe is adapted from the original, focusing on clarity and ease of use for modern bakers.

Yields: 1 loaf (9x5 inch) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt

Equipment:

9x5 inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions:

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works well here.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas until just combined. Don't overmix.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing.
Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Fanny Farmer Banana Bread

Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. Every oven is different.
Cooling: Allowing the bread to cool completely prevents it from becoming soggy.
Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs about Fanny Farmer Banana Bread

How can I make my banana bread more moist?

Adding a tablespoon or two of sour cream or yogurt can increase moisture. You can also add a little extra mashed banana.

Can I use different spices?

Absolutely! Experiment with other warm spices like cardamom or allspice.

Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Variations on the Classic

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:

Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the dry ingredients.

Nutty Banana Bread:

Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread:

Mix ½ cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and swirl it into the batter before baking.

Conclusion: A Timeless Treat

The Fanny Farmer banana bread recipe is a true testament to classic baking. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method yield a moist, delicious loaf that's perfect for any occasion. Try it today, and experience the enduring appeal of this iconic recipe! Remember to share your baking adventures with us! Happy baking!