We have been toppled with snow over the last few days – more snow than over one hundred years ago in one day – at least in the Des Moines area! Wow! I am thankful for heat and electricity and modern machines to keep us going during the winter months. It’s definitely made for some cozy snow days for us, and that usually involves baking of some kind.
My kitchen supply was low, but I did manage to find frozen bananas stored away in the freezer. I am so thrilled to tell you this is the most delicious banana bread…EVER. Yes, kids and husband will tell you the same. The reaction I got from the kitchen was, “MMMmm sooo good.” Nothing beats warm bread fresh outta the oven. It also cooks all the way through! No more gooey middle, yay! Then of course, top it off with some cream cheese frosting and there won’t be anymore left – it’s true!
- 1½ c. all-purpose flour
- ½ t, salt
- ½ t. baking powder
- ½ t. baking soda
- 1 t. cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 extra large egg
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 t. vanilla extract
- 1 c. mashed banana
- ½ c. chopped walnuts (if desired)
- Frosting:
- 2 T. cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 c. powdered sugar
- ½ t. vanilla extract
- 1-2 T. milk or cream to thin
- Set oven to 325 degrees. Spray and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper with long ends. Whisk the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer.
- Beat in the egg, oil, and vanilla.
- Fold in the banana and nuts (if desired). Combine well, then turn the batter evenly into the pan. Bake for about an hour or more until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool for about 15 minutes in the pan, then remove to a rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with enough milk to make it spreadable. Spread over top of cooled bread and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
The banana bread sounds really good! And the frosting puts it over the top! I live in the Des Moines area too and am very thankful for our modern conveniences. And yes! we have enough snow 😂
It is the best banana bread I’ve ever had! Why not have the cream cheese frosting, too? Hopefully with all the snow, it means a really wonderful spring 🙂
I see sugar in the instructions but not in the ingredients. How much sugar?
Yes- 1 c. sugar for the bread & then 1 c. powdered sugar for the frosting. Enjoy 🙂