Cracked Out Banana Bread

I don’t know about you, but one of the best parts of coming home from school as a kid was my mom greeting us at the door with a snack and a snuggle. It’s taking a lot for me to not say, “Back when I was young…” But we would walk the two blocks home, let out by our teachers without waiting for parents to arrive.  My mom would always be home, waiting for all of us to pile in the door, drop our stuff on the landing and proceed to blab on and on about our day.  A house of five girls was NEVER a quiet place.

When my oldest started school this year, I had a ton of guilt.  He was still so young in my eyes.  Having just turned three and overcoming a hard year of tough anxiety, I was terrified that I was pushing him too fast to grow up.  But school is just one of those things that you do early here in New York.

I told myself I would do everything in my power to never be late for pick up and always have a fabulous snack waiting for him in the car. In my head, he would tell me every detail about his day while he munched away.  Of course, he would be starving.  What kid likes school food?

It didn’t take long before my oldest got the routine down.  His first question to me as we walk to the car is always, “What did you do today, Mommy? Miss me?” And then… “What kind of snack did you bring me?” Haha.  Apparently, I set up what to expect early on.  😉 Sadly, he does as most kids, and barely says a word about what actually went on during the day, unless there was something usually amazing or hard that happened.  It was a huge adjustment from being involved in every moment of my kid’s day to relinquish the control of micromanaging everything.  I can usually just tell by how he greets me if he had a great day or is thankful school is out for the afternoon. Regardless, the hug he gives me is hands down the best part of my day.

This banana bread recipe is one that I have been messing with for the last five years. I have added, subtracted, thrown in a pinch and completely butchered it a few times. But I have made it enough now, that I can remember the ingredients in my sleep.  It has extra depth from browned butter and comes out of the oven with a perfectly cracked, crisp lid that is perfect warmed up with coffee or packed in a sandwich bag for an after school snack.  Enjoy!

Cracked Out Banana Bread

Makes one standard size loaf

• 1/2 c butter ( I use Kerrygold, salted)
• 3-4 extra ripe bananas
• 1 egg
• 3/4 c brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 c flour
• 1 tsp baking soda

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a loaf pan with butter or baking spray.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.  When it starts to bubble, turn the flame down to medium low and continually whisk or swirl the butter until it becomes golden brown and fragrant. Once you smell it, its close to being done! Watch it closely, as it can burn quickly if left unattended. Let cool for five minutes while you move onto the next step.

Mash your bananas well in a medium mixing bowl.  Mix in your egg, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle in the browned butter while mixing quickly.  Add your flour and baking soda. Gently fold in to the liquid ingredients until just combined.  Pour the batter into your pan and bake for 45-55 minutes. Your oven will vary, but my loaf is usually perfectly done at 50 minutes. Stick a toothpick in to check. If it comes out clean, take it out!

Leave your bread in the pan for five minutes to cool, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you can wait that long!