Pastor Dave'S Absolute Favorite Banana Yeast Bread(From "A Diary Of Bread")
A flavorful banana yeast bread with warm spices and a soft, chewy texture, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to bread lovers and banana enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, yeast, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and ginger.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, 1/2 cup sugar, butter or margarine, and salt until warm and butter is melted.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm.
- Add the cooled mixture to the dry ingredients; add mashed bananas, 1 egg, and 1 egg yolk. Reserve the egg white.
- Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add remaining flour and blend to make a stiff dough.
- Turn out on a floured surface and knead for 5 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl; let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal parts.
- Shape each part into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet.
- Make slashes about 1/4-inch deep around each loaf every 3/4 inch, creating a sunburst pattern.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute the butter with applesauce for a healthier option. If you don't have ginger, cinnamon can be a good substitute. Be sure to knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, as this will help develop gluten, resulting in a better rise. Also, for an extra flavor boost, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
This banana yeast bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. For an indulgent treat, serve it alongside Chocolate Swirl Coffee Cake or slice it for a brunch spread with Cream Cheese Pinwheels. Consider toasting slices for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover banana yeast bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, slice it and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore its softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastor Dave'S Absolute Favorite Banana Yeast Bread(From "A Diary Of Bread") contains roughly 291 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 653mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser loaf. To maintain moisture, consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This will add a nutty flavor while keeping the bread light.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it reaches a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
Can I freeze the banana yeast bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).