Audrey’s Banana Bread

Recipe Highlight: This is a family favorite, especially beloved by my darling daughter. I will forever cherish the memory of making this sweet treat in the kitchen with her at my side. If you’re reading this, my sweet baby girl, add more chocolate chips …

Makes two 9-inch loaf pans

INGREDIENTS

• 7 large bananas, very ripe (reserve 1 banana to slice/decorate the top loaves before baking)
• 1/2 cup butter (8 TBSP), softened
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (can sub butter or shortening)
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla (I use a dollop of vanilla paste and a tsp of vanilla … measure with your heart)
• pinch of salt
• 3 cups self-rising flour (*see notes if using All Purpose flour)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (reserve some to top your loaves before cooking)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (can use milk or semi-sweet instead, if unavailable)
• cinnamon sugar to sprinkle on top of loaves
• turbinado sugar to sprinkle on top of loaves

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Add 6 ripe bananas to mixing bowl and use the lowest setting to mash (or use a fork and do so by hand).
3. Add the butter, coconut oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and pinch of salt to the mixing bowl and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
4. Add flour and mix, just until combined. Again, avoid overmixing.
5. Gently fold in your mix-ins. The recipe calls for walnuts and raisins, but we always used a blend of chocolate chips.
6. Pour into loaf pans lined with parchment paper.
7. Decorate the top of the filled loaf pans with remaining sliced bananas and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, and turbinado sugar (or any combination thereof … just use what you’ve got)
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

NOTES

*If using All Purpose flour, add 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt to achieve the results of self-rising flour

Banana bread is a budget-friendly recipe that is meant to use up any browning bananas that just happens to be damned delicious and worthy of making any day of the week. As such, it is meant to be something you should feel free to experiment with, using whatever ingredients you have on hand. Beyond the basic recipe, mix-ins are options … as are the combinations of fats or toppings. Follow your hearts and make it your own.

Noah, Zach & Audrey: I love you all dearly. I will always remember the way you all hyped me up whenever I made something you truly loved in the kitchen. I couldn’t ask for better cheerleaders.