classic banana bread

Banana Bread

Classic Banana Bread

This versatile bread is the perfect on-the-go breakfast, gift for a host, or holiday gift. Top it with whatever you like, and even throw some additional ingredients like chocolate chips. It's the bread that everyone can get behind. Banana bread should form a crack down the center as it bakes--a sign the baking soda is doing its job. Serve toasted with a smear of cream cheese, Greek yogurt or peanut butter and top with mixed nuts, if desired.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
¼ cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
⅓ cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, stirring with a whisk.
Place sugar and butter in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, yogurt and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist. Spoon batter into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.