Banana bread has become a beloved comfort food for many, especially during the pandemic when people sought solace in baking.
However, what if you’re craving banana bread but don’t have baking soda or baking powder on hand?
Don’t worry, there’s a solution!
In this blog post, we’ll share a recipe for banana bread that doesn’t require either of these leavening agents.
Instead, we’ll be using a simple ingredient that you may already have in your fridge: plain yogurt.
This alternative method is easy and still results in moist and delicious banana bread. So let’s get baking!
Why baking soda or powder is important in banana bread
Baking soda and baking powder are important ingredients in many baked goods, including banana bread.
They are leavening agents that help baked goods rise and become fluffy.
In the case of banana bread, the baking soda or powder reacts with the acid in the bananas to create carbon dioxide gas. This gas expands in the heat of the oven, causing the bread to rise.
Without baking soda or powder, banana bread may not rise properly, resulting in a dense, heavy texture.
It may also lack the characteristic light and fluffy texture that people associate with banana bread.
Additionally, baking soda and powder can affect the taste of the bread, providing a slight tanginess or bitterness that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
Therefore, while it’s possible to make banana bread without baking soda or powder, it’s important to understand the impact these ingredients have on the final product.
The alternative ingredient: yogurt
If you don’t have baking soda or powder on hand, the good news is that you can use plain yogurt as a substitute.
Yogurt provides acidity, which can react with the baking powder in the recipe to create carbon dioxide gas, resulting in a similar leavening effect.
Also, yogurt adds moisture and tanginess to the bread, which can enhance the flavor and texture.
To use yogurt as a substitute for baking soda or powder, simply replace the amount of baking soda or powder in the recipe with an equal amount of plain yogurt.
For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda, you would use 1 teaspoon of yogurt instead.
It’s important to note that the type of yogurt you use can affect the flavor of the banana bread.
We recommend using plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid adding any additional sweetness.
You can use Greek yogurt or regular yogurt, but avoid flavored varieties, as they may contain added sugar and other ingredients that can alter the taste of the bread.
The recipe
Here’s a recipe for banana bread without baking soda or powder, using yogurt instead:
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, yogurt, sugar, oil, and eggs. Mix well with a whisk or a handheld mixer until smooth.
- Add the flour, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix until just combined. If you’re adding any optional mix-ins, fold them in gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- If you don’t have yogurt on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of sour cream or buttermilk.
- To make the banana bread healthier, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour.
- This banana bread will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Enjoy your delicious and easy banana bread made without baking soda or powder!
Conclusion
Banana bread is a delicious and comforting treat that many people enjoy baking and eating.
While baking soda and baking powder are important ingredients in banana bread, they’re not always readily available.
Fortunately, plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for these leavening agents, and it can also add moisture and flavor to the bread.
This recipe is simple and easy to follow, and the end result is moist and flavorful banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
So next time you’re craving banana bread but don’t have baking soda or powder on hand, try this recipe with yogurt instead and enjoy the delicious results!
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