Banana Bread Trial Recipe #1

I am on the hunt for the perfect banana bread. I feel a bit like Goldilocks. This one it too sweet and this one is too dry and this one is too greasy. I think I know what I want in the perfect Banana Bread - nice crumb, moist without being soggy and a pronounced banana flavor. Join me on this search. You may be looking for something else in a banana bread and one of these recipes just might fit the bill.

This recipe was adapted from a recipe on Epicurious. It makes 2 standard size loaves. 

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups coarsely mashed very ripe bananas (6 large)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt (I use Greek style yogurt)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup golden raisins

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 2 (9- by 5- by 3-inch) metal loaf pans, then dust with flour, knocking out excess.

Whisk together 3 1/4 cups flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a bowl.

Put eggs and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat at medium-high speed until very thick and a pale ribbon is formed when the beater is lifted, about 10 minutes.

Reduce speed to low and add oil in a slow stream, mixing, then mix in bananas, yogurt, and vanilla.

Remove bowl from mixer and fold in flour mixture and raisins gently but thoroughly.

Divide batter between loaf pans, spreading evenly, and bake in middle of oven until golden brown and a wooden pick or skewer comes out clean, 60 - 75 minutes.

Cool loaves in pans on a rack 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack. Immediately turn loaves right side up and cool completely.

This is what I got - 2 dark brown loaves slightly sunken in the middle. Not the prettiest baked goods. But maybe it's what is inside that counts.

Once I cut into them I found them to be very moist and flavorful. I still am not a fan of the dark crispy exterior. The banana flavor was nice and overall a really good bread.

So onward we go to find the perfect banana bread!