How to Bake Banana Bread with Coconut and Pecans (or Favored Nuts)

Yummy twist on your typical banana bread

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 4 overripe bananas
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled (preferably unsalted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

1. Begin as always by pre heating your oven to 350 F and lightly grease bread pan (9X5, works best).

2. In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt (again this is optional); and set aside for later use.

3. In separate bowl mash with a fork (2) of the bananas, leaving some texture to them.

4. With an electric mixer, whip the sugar and other (2) remaining bananas for approximately 4-5 minutes; until it appears light and fluffy.

5. To this creamy banana mixture, add the butter (melted), eggs, and vanilla; beat well.

6. Slightly mix in the dry ingredients from the large bowl with this mixture; becareful to not over mix.

7. Finally, fold in the pecans (or nuts of your choosing) and the coconut with a spatula.

8. Pour this batter into the bread pan.

9. Slightly tap the bottom of the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

10. Bake for about 1hour and 15minutes or until bread has a golden brown color. Insert toothpick into middle of bread and remove to check in bread is finished cooking.

Tips & Warnings

• Rotate pan while baking, every so often, to ensure an even browning
• Once bread is removed from oven, let cool for 10 minutes, then flip bread onto a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
• Slice, Toast, and dust with confectioner's sugar
• ENJOY!
• If bread forms crack down center of the top, this is typical, you did nothing wrong and your bread will still taste fabulous.

[harlsmits]

on 9/22/2008 This sounds delicious, I can't wait to bake it for my friends.

[bmi57]

on 8/10/2008 This is different, I will have to try it, thanks.