Gingerbread Banana Bread
The ultimate comfort food that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of ripe bananas, Gingerbread Banana Bread is perfect for any occasion. Each slice is moist, fragrant, and simply irresistible. Make this treat tonight to warm your heart and home!
Equipment
- 9×5 Loaf Pan
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Allspice
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 4 ounces Unsalted Butter, melted
- 0.5 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 0.5 cup Molasses
- 3 tablespoons Milk
- 2 tablespoons Grated Fresh Ginger
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Paste
- 2 teaspoons Maple Extract
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Mashed Ripe Bananas, about 3 large bananas
- 2 ounces Crystallized Ginger, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9×5 loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray. This will ensure your loaf comes out easily once baked.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, ground nutmeg, kosher salt, and ground cloves. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the melted butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Add in the milk, grated fresh ginger, vanilla bean paste, and maple extract. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute until everything is well incorporated.
- Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas until just combined. The mixture should be slightly lumpy, which is perfect.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Finally, fold in the diced crystallized ginger. This will add lovely pockets of chewy sweetness to your loaf.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the middle is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to maintaining its structure and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- Tip 1: Keep any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Tip 2: This bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Tip 3: Serve with cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Tip 4: Toast slices for a crunchy exterior and warm interior.
- Tip 5: Experiment with spices like cardamom for a different flavor profile.