Introduction
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is not only deliciously moist, but it also boasts a rich, comforting flavor with a hint of cinnamon and a tender texture. Using Greek yogurt adds a delightful creaminess while enhancing the bread’s health profile. Grab some ripe bananas and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure an easy release of your banana bread.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside; the aromas from the spices will lift your spirits!
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a delightful base for your batter.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until everything is beautifully blended.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — we want it tender!
- Fold in the Greek yogurt until it’s evenly incorporated, adding a rich creaminess to the bread.
- Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create a lovely, even surface.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating your banana bread is perfectly baked!
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Your patience will be rewarded with a wonderfully fragrant loaf!
Notes or Tips
For the best results, use very ripe bananas — the blacker the skin, the sweeter the mashed fruit! If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Storing the banana bread in an airtight container can help keep it moist for several days, though I doubt it will last that long!
Cooking Techniques
When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Overpacking can lead to a denser loaf. Additionally, be mindful of oven temperature variations; using an oven thermometer can help you achieve spot-on baking results.
FAQ
Can I freeze banana bread? Yes! Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can I use other types of yogurt? Absolutely! While Greek yogurt offers a wonderful creaminess, regular plain yogurt can be used as well. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.
Conclusion
This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines healthiness with comfort. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! I hope you enjoy every moist and flavorful bite as much as I do. Happy baking!