Easy Julia Child Banana Bread Recipe: A Sweet Homemade Classic

Julia Child’s banana bread transforms ordinary overripe fruits into a culinary masterpiece that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Bakers understand the magic of transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary with this classic recipe.

Soft, tender crumbs tell a story of precise technique and passionate baking.

Moisture permeates each slice, creating a delectable experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Home kitchens become sanctuaries of delightful aromas when this bread begins to bake.

Ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and rich complexity.

The result promises a delightful journey through texture and flavor that speaks directly to your senses: prepare to fall in love.

How To Bake Julia Child Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients

Peel ripe bananas and crush them in a large mixing bowl using a fork until smooth and creamy. Add melted butter and stir until well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Beaten egg
• Vanilla extract

Gradually fold in flour until the batter becomes smooth and no dry patches remain.

Step 4: Bake the Banana Bread

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few dry crumbs.

Pro tip: If the top browns quickly but the center remains wet, cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely. Use a sharp bread knife to cut clean, non-crumbly slices. Serve and enjoy your homemade treat!

Handy Advice For Julia Child Banana Bread

• Rescue Overripe Bananas: Transform those mushy, brown-spotted bananas into a delicious banana bread instead of throwing them away.
• Prevent Dense Disaster: Gently fold ingredients together, stopping the moment dry and wet components merge to keep the texture light and tender.
• Master the Toothpick Test: Poke the bread's center with a wooden skewer and watch for telltale signs of perfect doneness – clean with a few crumbs means baking success.
• Shield from Browning Blitz: Drape aluminum foil loosely over the bread if the top darkens too quickly, protecting the golden exterior while ensuring a fully cooked interior.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow the banana bread to cool completely on a wire rack, giving it time to set and develop a stable structure before slicing into delectable pieces.

Tips For Storing Julia Child Banana Bread At Its Best

• Long-Term Storage: Wrap banana bread tightly in plastic wrap, then seal inside a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Press out excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture. This method keeps your bread delicious for up to 3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Counter Storage: Place bread in a sealed container with a slightly loose lid to allow minimal air circulation. Keep at room temperature for maximum moisture retention. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and freshness.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When storing in the refrigerator, first wrap the bread in parchment paper, then place inside an airtight container. Cold storage extends shelf life to 5-7 days but might slightly alter the bread's soft texture. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore its original delightful consistency.

Fun Variations For Julia Child Banana Bread

• Nutty Crunch Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and rich, toasted flavor. Sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for a crunchy golden crust.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent, sweet variation. Dark chocolate chips can provide a deeper, more intense chocolate experience.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to create a warm, aromatic version. These spices enhance the banana's natural sweetness and add depth to the bread.
• Tropical Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded coconut and 1/4 cup chopped dried pineapple for a Caribbean-inspired treat. This combination brings a bright, sunny flavor profile to the classic recipe.

Parting Thoughts On Julia Child Banana Bread

Banana bread maestros, Julia Child’s legendary recipe transforms humble ingredients into pure culinary magic.

Comfort meets sophistication in each delectable slice of this classic treat.

Mediterranean kitchen wisdom shines through her carefully crafted method, blending simplicity with profound flavor complexity.

Kitchen adventurers discover profound satisfaction from mastering this timeless recipe.

Warm banana aromas promise delightful moments of homemade pleasure.

Passionate bakers: share your golden-crusted creations, spark conversations, spread joy through delicious connection!

Relish The Homey Warmth Of Julia Child Banana Bread

• Savor Ultimate Comfort: This Julia Child banana bread wraps you in warm, homey goodness with its rich, moist texture that feels like a sweet hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Transform Overripe Bananas: Magically convert those brown, spotty bananas into a delectable treat instead of tossing them away, creating zero waste and maximum deliciousness in one simple recipe.
• Master Quick and Easy Baking: Requiring just one bowl and basic ingredients, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, from novice to expert, making banana bread accessible and stress-free to prepare.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this banana bread adapts to any occasion – whether you're feeding family, hosting brunch, or craving a midnight treat with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Essential Ingredients For Julia Child Banana Bread

• Ripe Bananas: Soft, sweet fruit providing natural moisture and flavor to the bread.
• Unsalted Butter: Rich dairy ingredient adding depth and smooth texture to the mixture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential dry ingredient creating structure for the bread.
• Egg: Protein-rich binder helping to hold the ingredients together.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet component balancing the banana's natural taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor that complements the banana's natural sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent helping the bread rise and become light.
• Salt: Subtle seasoning that enhances overall flavor profile.

Julia Child Banana Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Julia Child’s banana bread elevates classic comfort with French-inspired elegance. Rich with ripe bananas and a delicate crumb, this recipe promises a golden loaf that welcomes you to savor each tender slice with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 to 3 medium ripe bananas (about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups mashed)
• ⅓ cup unsalted or salted butter, melted

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sugar (½ cup for less sweet, 1 cup for more sweet)

Leavening and Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and baking vessel by heating to 350°F (175°C) and generously coating an 8×4-inch loaf pan with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Transform ripe bananas into a smooth puree by thoroughly mashing them in a large mixing bowl using a fork, ensuring no significant lumps remain. Incorporate melted butter into the banana mixture, stirring until well combined.
3. Enhance the banana mixture by sprinkling baking soda and salt, then gently fold in granulated sugar, whisking the egg separately before adding to the blend. Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
4. Gradually sift flour into the wet ingredients, carefully folding until the batter achieves a uniform consistency without overmixing, which could result in dense bread.
5. Transfer the completed batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform distribution and smooth surface.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge with minimal dry crumbs. If the exterior browns quickly while the interior remains uncooked, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for several minutes, facilitating easier removal. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete cooling before slicing with a sharp bread knife to maintain clean, precise cuts.

Notes

• Grab bananas with abundant brown spots for maximum sweetness and deep banana flavor.
• Mix ingredients gently to maintain a tender, light bread texture without developing tough gluten.
• Protect bread’s surface by covering with aluminum foil if edges brown faster than the center.
• Confirm bread’s readiness through a clean toothpick test with minimal dry crumbs.
• Allow complete cooling before slicing to ensure structural integrity and perfect slice consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 228
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg