No-Butter-Needed Banana Bread

This classic recipe makes a loaf so moist, I've heard eaters exclaim, "This is so good, it doesn't need any butter on it."

The yogurt helps, to be sure, but the secret to any moist loaf is to stir only until the ingredients are just combined. Resist the temptation to give a few more stirs, just to be sure.

Good For You

• whole grain

• built-in fruit and yogurt

• healthy fats

Good For

• hosting coffee/tea chats

• lunches

• freezing

• gifting

No-Butter-Needed Banana Bread

• 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas

• 2/3 cup sugar (or less if you prefer)

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil like canola

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt* (You could also use sour cream or in a pinch, 1 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar added to 1/2 cup milk.)

• 2 eggs

• 3/4 cup all purpose flour

• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

1. Measure first 5 ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Mix well.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a second bowl.

   Add to banana mixture. Stir just until combined and no more. It will still be lumpy.

3. Pour batter into a greased 9"x 5" loaf pan. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup, if you like.

4. Bake at 325 F for 60-70 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when you poke the middle. A few crumbs on it are okay.

5. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before loosening around the edges with a knife. Turn onto a rack to cool.

   Store partially covered on your counter for 3 days.

Allow the number of ripe bananas you have dictate how much of this recipe you make. It easily doubles. I have made little loaves when I have enough bananas to make 1.5x  the recipe. Great to pass on to single family members or neighbors.

Not enough bananas to make a full recipe this time? Peel bananas and insert in a freezer bag and toss them in your fridge freezer for next time. You can also freeze them right in the peel. But I find them way more appealing to use up when I rummage past a white banana rather than a black one. And they are easier to work with, if peeled.