Banana Bread Recipe With Baking Powder Instead Of Baking Soda

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by Lori Walker

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Banana bread is a classic delicacy that brings a warm and comforting scent into the household.

Once, when I ran out of baking soda, I turned to baking powder as a substitute. Surprisingly, the result was a fluffy, moist loaf that tasted just as delightful.

If you’re in a similar pinch or simply want to try a twist on the classic, this banana bread recipe with baking powder instead of baking soda is a must-try. Read on.

Table of Contents

Recipe For Banana Bread Using Baking Powder Instead Of Baking Soda

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional

Procedure:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix until smooth and incorporated.
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using) in a separate bowl.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the flour is incorporated. Be careful to mix evenly, which can result in denser bread.
If you’re adding chopped nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Carefully transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

“If you get hungry mid-day, a banana is the best snack at your desk, after a workout, or between classes. Fruit is a very good snack in general.”
– Marcus Samuelsson, Chef

How Does Baking Powder Differ From Baking Soda?

Baking powder [1] and baking soda are both leavening agents used in baking, but they differ in how they work.

Baking soda is a single ingredient – it needs an acidic component (like buttermilk or yogurt) to create carbon dioxide gas, which causes baked goods to rise.

Baking powder contains both an acid (like cream of tartar) and a base (usually baking soda). This allows it to create the necessary gas when it reacts with moisture and heat.

When using baking powder instead of baking soda in your banana bread, this difference can impact the rise and texture of the final product.

Does Texture Change With Baking Powder?

Using baking powder instead of baking soda can influence the texture of your banana bread. Baking powder contains both an acid and a base, which allows it to create gas and leaven the bread independently of added acidic ingredients.

This can result in a slightly different texture compared to using baking soda. Baking powder might yield a slightly lighter and airier crumb, making the banana bread slightly softer.

However, the exact change in texture can depend on the specific recipe and the ratio of baking powder used.

Find out what makes your banana bread dense here.

What’s The Flavor Profile?

The flavor profile remains similar when using baking powder instead of baking soda [2] in your banana bread.

Baking powder doesn’t contribute a noticeable flavor to baked goods, so the banana bread’s primary taste will still come from the ripe bananas and other ingredients.

“Reinventing tradition, the dance of baking powder breathes new life into the classic embrace of banana bread, unveiling a symphony of flavors and textures that echo both familiarity and daring culinary exploration.”
– Leonelli Bakery

The familiar sweet and banana-rich taste should remain intact. However, remember that the texture and rise changes resulting from using baking powder might affect how the flavors are experienced in each bite.

Can You Achieve the Same Rise?

Achieving the same rise with baking powder as baking soda in your banana bread requires careful consideration.

Baking powder contains its own acid and base components, allowing it to create gas for leavening when combined with moisture and heat.

While it can provide a satisfactory rise, it might not mirror the exact rise that baking soda delivers in your recipe.

The difference in how these leavening agents interact with other ingredients and contribute to the bread’s structure might result in a slightly different height and texture.

Experimenting with the amount of baking powder and closely monitoring the baking process can help you achieve the rise you desire while adapting to the unique properties of baking powder.

Also Read: Why Does Your Banana Bread Sink In The Center?

FAQs

What happens if you put too much baking powder in banana bread?

Using too much baking powder in banana bread can cause it to rise excessively, creating a coarse and overly porous texture with a bitter aftertaste.

What happens if I forget to put baking soda in my banana bread?

Forgetting to add baking soda to your banana bread can lead to a denser and less risen final product.

But how do you know if banana bread is done?

Key Takeaways

Embracing a banana bread recipe with baking powder instead of baking soda offers a fresh perspective on this beloved treat.

While baking powder introduces its unique leavening properties, navigating the adjustments thoughtfully is crucial.

The result is a banana bread that may have a slightly different texture and rise yet retains a delightful banana flavor.

Experimentation, understanding the distinct roles of these leavening agents, and embracing the journey of culinary exploration can lead to a delicious banana bread that’s both familiar and uniquely enjoyable.

References:

https://www.foodandwine.com/cooking-techniques/baking-soda-baking-powder-difference
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/baking-soda-benefits-uses

Author
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Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].