Banana Bread with Vanilla Glaze

Banana Bread with Vanilla Glaze

Ingredients:

For the Banana Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt (optional for extra moisture)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Banana Bread:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the bananas: Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (if using) until fully combined.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. If desired, stir in the chopped nuts.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Vanilla Glaze:

1. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
2. Glaze the bread: Once the banana bread has cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top of the loaf.
3. Serve: Slice and enjoy your banana bread with the sweet vanilla glaze.

This banana bread is moist and flavorful, and the vanilla glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness. Let me know if you’d like any variations or extra tips!