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Almond Butter Banana Bread

Almond Butter Banana Bread, Claire Saffitz

Section titled “Almond Butter Banana Bread, Claire Saffitz”

A rich, cardamom-scented banana bread from Claire Saffitz (Dessert Person). Almond butter works both into the batter and as a swirled topping that caramelizes during baking. Best made with very ripe bananas — the darker the better.

Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)

Vegetarian Tree nuts Eggs Dairy Gluten
ItemAmount
all-purpose flour165g (1⅓ cups)
baking powder4g (1 tsp)
baking soda3g (½ tsp)
kosher salt1 tsp
ground cardamom (or cinnamon)¼ tsp
ItemAmount
very ripe bananas, mashed~240g (3 bananas)
granulated sugar100g (½ cup)
large eggs, room temperaturex2
smooth almond butter65g (¼ cup)
plain Greek yogurt60g (¼ cup)
coconut oil, melted27g (2 tbsp)
vanilla extract5g (1 tsp)
ItemAmount
smooth almond butter48g (3 tbsp)
granulated sugar13g (1 tbsp)
coconut oil, melted5g (1 tsp)
Items
8½”×4½” loaf pan
parchment paper
two large bowls
whisk
skewer or toothpick
wire rack
  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly oil.

  2. Make topping: Stir together 48g almond butter, 13g sugar, and 5g coconut oil until smooth. Set aside.

  3. Mash bananas: Mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth — you want about 240g (1 cup).

  4. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl.

  5. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and 100g sugar together until lightened and slightly pale. Add the almond butter, yogurt, mashed banana, coconut oil, and vanilla. Whisk until combined.

  6. Combine: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined — don’t overmix.

  7. Fill and swirl: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the topping over the surface, then drag a skewer through in a figure-eight or swirl pattern.

  8. Bake: Bake for 55 minutes, until deep golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  9. Cool: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let cool for at least another 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts 10 servings
Calories 250
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 45mg 15%
Sodium 320mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 8g
Includes 6g Added Sugars 12%
Protein 4g
Vitamin D 0mcg 0% Calcium 120mg 10% Iron 2mg 10% Potassium 180mg 4%

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet · Estimated values