Ina Garten’s Banana Bread is a moist, tender loaf packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla. This easy-to-make recipe is a classic comfort food, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With simple ingredients and Ina’s signature touch, this banana bread is sure to become a family favorite.

What is Ina Garten Banana Bread?

Ina Garten’s Banana Bread is a traditional quick bread made with mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, and a blend of wet and dry ingredients. It’s lightly spiced and can be customized with optional additions like nuts or chocolate chips.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Banana Bread

Moist and flavorful: The ripe bananas ensure a tender crumb and natural sweetness.
Easy to make: A beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.
Great for any time: Perfect as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
Make-ahead friendly: Stays fresh for days and freezes well.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Banana Bread

All-purpose flour: 2 cups.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
Granulated sugar: 1 cup.
Eggs: 2 large.
Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
Ripe bananas: 3 large, mashed.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup.
Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream or Greek yogurt until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the optional mix-ins, if using.

Step 5: Pour into the loaf pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the banana bread

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Slice and serve

Slice the banana bread and serve at room temperature or lightly toasted.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Banana Bread

Butter or cream cheese: Spread over warm slices for a rich touch.
Fresh fruit: Serve alongside berries or sliced bananas for a fresh pairing.
Nut butter: Almond or peanut butter makes a protein-packed topping.
Coffee or tea: Perfect for a cozy snack or breakfast pairing.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Banana Bread

Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread. Mix just until combined.
Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool before slicing: Allow the bread to cool fully to ensure clean slices.
Customize the mix-ins: Experiment with nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for variety.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Banana Bread

Chocolate banana bread: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the batter and fold in chocolate chips.
Nutty banana bread: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Coconut banana bread: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Zesty banana bread: Stir in orange or lemon zest for a citrusy flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Banana Bread

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Extend freshness by storing in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Banana Bread is a timeless recipe that combines simplicity and rich flavor.

Give it a try and savor the comforting taste of this classic treat!

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