We have recently seen some banana bread recipes floating about with pumpkin added to the mix. Now while that sounds totally interesting and very Halloween-y, we’re keeping our banana breads on this quest simple and pure.
Our eighth banana bread recipe on this quest came to us from Sally at Bewitching Kitchen. Now for those of you that don’t know Sally, she is an amazing cook and a bread baker extraordinaire. So you can bet we were excited to try this recipe.
Miss A was again at the ready for another banana bread baking adventure. She did a great job mashing the bananas and mixing them together with the buttermilk. 
We then mixed in the baking soda with the banana puree, and in a separate bowl creamed the brown sugar with the butter. (Don’t worry, Miss A is never really alone with the mixer.) 😉 
At this point you’re supposed to beat in the egg, but we forgot, so we added it toward the end. Instead we went ahead and mixed together the banana puree and the sugar. 
We combined the baking powder and flour and then gradually added the it to the banana bread batter (which now has an egg in it). 
Now here Sally recommends adding either vanilla or dark rum. So being as how we’ve used vanilla quite a bit, we opted for the rum. We didn’t have any dark rum on hand, so in place of 1 teaspoon of dark rum we added two teaspoons of rum extract. 
Next we poured the batter into our loaf pan and it was ready for baking. I should note here, that Miss A and I both sampled the batter and so far, so good. This recipe was looking like it was going to be a winner. 
We baked the loaf at 375F for 50 minutes and then let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out on our plate. 
As for the results of the bread, well the batter didn’t lie. This was some good banana bread. It was moist, flavorful and had just the right amount of sweetness. It’s hard to give out spoon ratings for our banana breads, we do love them all. But I have to say, Miss A seemed particularly into this Bewitching version. Only a few more recipes to go before the final taste test… 
We’re getting really excited for the big event. Mr. N especially. I don’t think Miss A quite understands it yet, but when there’s a dozen pieces of banana bread laid out in front of her, you can bet she’ll be excited. 
If you’re interested in this particular recipe, you can view it here. Sally posted this recipe in April of 2010, and she notes that at the time a Google search for “banana bread recipes” generates 5,580,000 hits. It’s definitely clear to us that there’s no shortage of recipes out there, but when I ran the search today, I wasn’t quite expecting this…A year and half later, that same search generates 21,200,000 hits! I guess we’re not the only ones that like banana bread. 
To view this recipe: Bewitching Banana Bread
Eat, Play, Love 
So… I decided to make a banana bread. Not this particular one… I decided to be a bit clever (that was my first mistake) – it was a little bit of this, a little bit of that… some nuts, some yoghurt, some quince purée, you know… all that sort of thing. The results were………. well, that’s the thing. I photographed the whole process. The “bread” if I can call it that might just be the tastiest thing I had in quite some time. Problem is though, it doesn’t actually look anything like a bread. Despite baking it for 2 hours it ended up looking like a gluey sludge inside 😥 The texture when eating is fine. It’s not at all sticky or gross or tough/gluey and the taste is great. I wonder if I should just delete the photos and never let the recipe see the light of day again 😦
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Oh no Charles! Well, given the number of disasters we have around here…sometimes they’re still worth posting. We’ve gotten some good tips that way, and besides, we’re all human right?! And if it was tasty…who cares what it looks like! They say we eat with our eyes, but really…I eat with my taste buds! I mean, beets look pretty to me, but gag!!! And Welsh rarebit doesn’t look all that appetizing, but OMG is it good. 🙂 And I for one would love to see a banana bread recipe with quince puree in it! (And I’m all for eating gooey, warm sludge!) I say go for it!
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Hehe, well – I think I won’t post it after all. I will however make another one sometime and hopefully try to fail a bit less this time
Maybe I can post that one then!
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LOL. Well you know I’m looking forward to it!
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Not quite sure how I missed this post but omg, rum sounds amazing. I love banana nut bread and all of your variations, so looking forward to that last taste test!
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Me too Lisa! I have no idea how we’re going to decide!
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All of these banana bread posts make me want to bake some! Nothing better than smelling fresh banana bread aroma wafting from the oven. Yummy!
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It’s a great aroma isn’t it?! We made another one today and Mr. N walked in from school and immediately said, “MMMM! What smells so good?” Love it!
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I’m sure you already have enough recipes, but I noticed that cooking light has a story about their best banana bread recipes on its homepage right now. Love your pictures by the way!
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Oh no!! LOL. I’ll have to check them out. I imagine if there’s one that’s really different, we can find a way to squeeze it in the challenge. 🙂 Thanks Laura!
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Wow, this banana bread looks great!
21,200,000 hits for banana bread? Sounds like lots of people like banana bread!
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Isn’t that wild?! I mean I know we like it, but that’s quite a number. Thanks for visiting and commenting. We’re always happy to have new “faces” around. 🙂
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That first photo of Miss A is adorable. This bread looks moist and delicious…love the addition of rum extract. I’m sure that added some great flavor. I have a feeling it’s going to be a tough decision when you have the taste testing! Too many great recipes. 🙂
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LOL. Yep, I’m getting a little worried about how the taste testing will go. I need to come up with some sort of ranking system. 😉
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Love the addition of yum – and was also super pleased to see you tossing in a missed ingredient at the end. Sometimes I find myself writing something up and thinking ‘oh if they only knew how I really got to the end point’. I should start being more honest!
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LOL! It happens all the time. I remember once I forgot the baking soda in my cookies and oh those did not turn out well. Fortunately I remembered the egg this time. I’ve gotten in the habit of checking and rechecking the ingredient list. 😉
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Beautiful bread! I’m always hesitant to try different banana bread recipes since there are sooo many out there. I also didn’t realize there were quite so many though! That’s quite an intimidating number! I can’t wait to see what banana bread your family likes the best… I’m more than willing to give that one a try, and this one looks delicious as well! The rum extract sounds like a tasty choice
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I had no idea there with this many out there either. I mean, we’ve come to realize there’s quite a few, but millions. Wow!
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Your kids couldn’t get any cuter if they tried! I love that you added rum extract. Y-U-M! I have never thought of adding rum to banana bread but I believe it will be a game changer for sure. I really appreciate when bloggers admit mistakes like adding the egg later…it makes us all feel human. Those sites where every photo is perfect, every food item has turned out exceptionally and with no slip-ups make me crazy. I love REAL blogs…and I especially love this one Kristy! Have a happy Halloween if you celebrate it. Do we get to see costume pics? 🙂
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Halloween pics posted tonight. 😉 Thanks for your wonderful compliments Geni! 🙂 There’s rarely a meal without slip-ups around here. Especially when it comes to baking. LOL.
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I can’t wait for the final taste testing and the results
each time you post a new recipe I think..choosing between all these will be a very hard yet yummy task 🙂
I second linda..I love the first picture of Miiss A
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Thanks Sawsan! We’re excited for the final taste test too. 🙂
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How fun to be doing a banana bread quest – I think I’d be in trouble if I tried it. I have a small problem stopping myself from devouring banana bread when we make it. But I love the addition of rum – and the adorable pics of your kids.
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LOL – I would be in trouble except for the fact that I always give half the loaf away and freeze a few slices for the contest. This is really the only thing that keeps me from devouring the whole thing – well that and the kids. They might have something to say about me not leaving any for them. 😉
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I’ve seen many great pictures on WordPress but that opening shot of Miss A is just too cute! Hard to believe that so sweet and innocent a child could hide lamb under her seat at the dinner table.I’ll add my voice to the others’, this is one good recipe for banana bread!
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Thanks John! Ah yes, that sweet and innocent face. It’s no wonder her that neither of her grandpa’s can ever tell her “no.” It’s scary sometimes how well she knows to use that little face. LOL.
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Oh, what a nice surprise! I saw it last night and commented on it, but must have made something wrong, as my comment did not post.
I agree with spicegirl, that first photo of Miss A is the best ever, and I am sooooo thrilled it is on the banana bread from the Bewitching…
thanks so much for the shout to my site, it was the best way to start this week!
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We just loved this recipe Sally! And I mean it when I say Miss A especially. She’ll always eat banana bread when it’s put on her plate, but it’s rare that she requests more an hour later. 😉
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Looks amazing. I’m glad Miss A is never alone with the mixer either. It’s only right that the oldest gets to lick the beaters.
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That’s right – at least when there’s only one kid in the room. Otherwise, the kids get the beater and mom and dad get spoonfuls. 😉
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It’s a good thing you’re not planning on making *all* those recipes… although you must be close now, right? lol 😀 That first pic of Miss A – Damn she’s so adorable. If I have a daughter one day even half as cute as her I’ll be one lucky dad!
I’m looking forward to the big event too – I feel like I’ve been following this journey with you. I will definitely be trying out the winning recipe!
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Aw! Thank you Charles. She is quite the little cutie. While I have no doubt Mike feels quite lucky to be her dad…I have a feeling he fears her growing up a bit too! LOL. Now we just have to figure out our ranking system for the taste testing. We know we’re going to like them all…so how to figure out which one is the best is key.
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Aaaah, every parent’s nightmare which will inevitably happen – the day when your cute, smiley bundle of fun turns into a sullen, grumpy teen who’s far too embarrassed by his or her parents to be seen with them and wants to start getting tattoos, piercings and staying out until 3am God know’s where. I think I gave my parents hell – teen years are weird… you think your parents are just a big drag and then you grow the heck up a bit and realise they’re the best things in the world and regret acting like such an ass-hat for the last 5 years or so 😀
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“Ass-hat!” I love that term! That is hilarious, and yes, I’m pretty sure I was one at times. LOL. 😉
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I am like Miss A- I am always up for some banana bread. It looks amazing and I think I need a loaf now- like right now- like give me a bite please- NOW! LOL! Kidding but i do wish we were neighbors so I could really get a bite now
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LOL! Can you imagine how much tastiness we’d get to share if we were neighbors?! That could be so dangerous. LOL! 🙂 Happy Halloween Jessica!
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Now that may be the winning banana bread! But also, that first pic of Miss A has to be my favorite! With her big blue eyes and expression on her face, you know she is loving all this banana bread baking! Have a safe and happy Halloween!
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I couldn’t agree more Linda – this is easily one of my favorite pics of Miss A cooking. Have a happy Halloween as well!
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Now that’s a banana bread I can get into Kristy! Love the addition of Rum, YUM! Hope Miss A and Mr.N have a great Halloween night!
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Thanks Eva! The kids are SO excited! 🙂
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Miss A could have her own cooking show soon with all of her kitchen experience. She really is a beautiful little girl – those blue eyes!
Wow, so many recipes! I cam also getting super excited to know which will be THE ultimate recipe.
Have a happy week.
🙂 Mandy
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Thanks Mandy! I have no doubt that someday she’ll be out cooking both Mike and I in the kitchen. 😉
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Thats a perfectly looking banana cake, looks so moist.
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Thanks Raymund!
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And I just happen to have some bananas sitting looking lonely….
It looks great and MIss A is a cooking genius with that mixer!
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She really is – while I never let her use the mixer alone, I have a feeling should could. 🙂 Bananas should never be lonely -sounds like you need a banana bread recipe. 😉 We happen to have a few, and this happens to be one I’d highly recommend. Have a great Halloween Alison!
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Rum? What a delightful addition. Sounds like it was a hit! Love the missed egg – happens to me routinely 🙂
21,200,000 hits – wow, that’s some serious business. Those stats are enough to get all of us interested in starting our own banana bread quest! lol.
Miss A looking absolutely adorable (as always).
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Glad I’m not the only one that misses an ingredient and tosses it in later. LOL. Isn’t that crazy – 21 million results for banana bread. Crazy! We’re probably at least a dozen of those. LOL. 🙂
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