Copycat Pioneer Woman Banana Bread Recipe

You’ve probably searched high and low for that perfect banana bread recipe. You know the kind: moist, flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness, and a recipe that whispers of home with each bite. Well, search no more! Ree Drummond, affectionately known as the Pioneer Woman, has bestowed upon us her Pioneer Woman banana bread recipe that is just that – and oh, so much more.

How to make Pioneer Woman Banana Bread

Pioneer Woman banana bread is a recipe from Ree Drummond, known as the Pioneer Woman. Her banana bread is beloved for its moist texture and rich flavor. The recipe typically includes ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking soda. Sometimes, she adds extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon for added flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 bananas, mashed (the riper, the better for sweetness and moisture)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optionally, for a unique twist or added texture, consider incorporating:
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan, bundt pan, or whatever you prefer for your banana bread. This will help prevent sticking, ensuring a beautiful loaf that easily releases from the pan.
2. Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving the banana bread a tender crumb.
3. Eggs and Bananas: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the mashed bananas. The bananas not only impart flavor and moisture but also naturally sweeten the bread.
4. Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, promoting even rising.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract. If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
6. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This time may vary depending on your oven and the pan used, so keep an eye on it after the 50-minute mark.
7. Resting: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest in the pan allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove without breaking.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread:

• Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added, which can lead to tough bread. Mix just until no flour streaks remain.
• Customization: Feel free to customize your banana bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
• Storing: Banana bread tastes even better the next day! Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What to serve with

Pioneer Woman Banana Bread is a delicious treat that can stand alone, but it’s also versatile enough to be paired with a variety of complementary foods and beverages to create a truly comforting experience.

For breakfast or brunch:

• Butter and Jams: Serve warm slices of Pioneer Woman banana bread with a pat of butter that melts on contact, or combine with your favorite preserves and jams for a sweet and fruity touch.
• Fresh Fruit: For a fresh and vibrant contrast, accompany your banana bread with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, sliced apples, or a fruit salad.
• Yogurt and Granola: For a satisfying and filling breakfast option, pair Greek yogurt with granola sprinkled with honey.
• Bacon or Sausage: For those who enjoy a sweet and savory mix, a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage rounds out the meal.

As a dessert:

• Dessert Sauces: Drizzle caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or Nutella over your banana bread for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a satisfying crunch.
• Beverages to pair with banana bread:
• Tea: A warm mug of your favorite tea can be both soothing and complementary. Earl Grey, chamomile, or chai are excellent choices.
• Milk: For many, a cold glass of milk is the ultimate comfort drink, especially when paired with a sweet treat like banana bread.
• Hot Chocolate: Ideal for kids or those with a sweet tooth, hot chocolate makes a cozy sidekick to the banana bread, especially on a chilly day.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Pioneer Woman Banana Bread can be a delightful baking endeavor, but sometimes you may not have all the ingredients on hand, or you may need to make substitutions due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Here are some common ingredient substitutes for making banana bread:

Flour

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For those with gluten sensitivities, a gluten-free flour blend designed to mimic the properties of wheat flour can be used. Follow the blend’s recommendations concerning xanthan gum or other binders.

Sugar

• Brown Sugar: If the recipe calls for white sugar and you prefer a deeper, caramel-like flavor, you can use light or dark brown sugar.
• Maple Syrup/Honey: Liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey can replace sugar, but you’ll want to slightly reduce other liquids in the recipe. Substitute about 2/3 to 3/4 cup of sugar for every cup of these liquid sweeteners.

Eggs

• Flax Eggs: To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 15 minutes until it has a gel-like consistency. This can replace one egg.
• Applesauce: Due to its binding properties, applesauce can sometimes be used as an egg substitute.

Butter

• Oil: Canola, vegetable, or coconut oil can substitute for butter. Usually, oil is used in a 1:1 ratio to butter, but you may want to use slightly less oil as it’s more liquid.
• Applesauce: For a lower-fat option, you can replace butter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. Note that this might change the texture slightly, making it more cake-like.

Bananas

Bananas are a key ingredient in this bread, but if you’re in a pinch:

• Pumpkin Puree: While the flavor will be different, pumpkin puree can replace banana in equal amounts for a spiced pumpkin bread.

Leavening Agents

If you’re out of baking soda or powder, it can be tricky, as they’re necessary for the bread to rise.

• Baking Powder for Baking Soda: You can use baking powder instead of baking soda, but you’ll need about 2-3 times more. Check for freshness, as outdated leaveners won’t work well.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a slice of comfort that can only come from the heart of the Pioneer Woman’s Kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a warm breakfast treat or a soothing afternoon snack, this Pioneer Woman banana bread recipe promises to bring a taste of wholesome, homemade goodness to your table.

More Banana Bread Recipes:

• Banana Bread with Yellow Cake Mix Recipe
• Copycat Sally’s Baking Addiction Banana Bread Recipe
• Banana Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe

Pioneer Woman Banana Bread

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cooking Time: 1 Hour 1 Hour

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 11 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 bananas, mashed (the riper, the better for sweetness and moisture)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optionally, for a unique twist or added texture, consider incorporating:
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan, bundt pan, or whatever you prefer for your banana bread. This will help prevent sticking, ensuring a beautiful loaf that easily releases from the pan.
2. Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving the banana bread a tender crumb.
3. Eggs and Bananas: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the mashed bananas. The bananas not only impart flavor and moisture but also naturally sweeten the bread.
4. Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, promoting even rising.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract. If you're using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
6. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This time may vary depending on your oven and the pan used, so keep an eye on it after the 50-minute mark.
7. Resting: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest in the pan allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove without breaking.