Flour's Famous Banana Bread 

This banana bread, crafted by Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery in Boston, has garnered widespread acclaim for its moist texture and rich banana flavor. The inclusion of sour cream or crème fraîche adds a delightful tang, while toasted walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 3 1/2 very ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 1 1/3 cups or 340 grams)

• 2 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche (full-fat)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2/3 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

4. Incorporate Oil: With the mixer on low speed, gradually drizzle in the oil, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding more.

5. Add Bananas and Dairy: Add the mashed bananas, sour cream (or crème fraîche), and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until just combined.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until no flour streaks remain.

7. Add Walnuts: Gently fold in the toasted and chopped walnuts, if using.

8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 306 kcal

• Total Fat: 15 g

• Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Carbohydrates: 41 g

• Dietary Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 23 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 28 mg

• Sodium: 214 mg