Almond Croissant Banana Bread (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Almond Filling
01 -
2 cups almond flour
02 -
3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 -
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
→ Banana Bread
06 -
6 ounces unsalted butter, browned to about 1/2 cup
07 -
2 cups all-purpose flour
08 -
3/4 cup granulated sugar
09 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
10 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 -
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 -
2 large eggs
13 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 -
1/4 cup yogurt
15 -
1 1/4 cup mashed banana (about 3 medium bananas)
16 -
Slivered almonds for garnish
17 -
Powdered sugar for dusting
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. Using a spatula, incorporate the almond flour, sugar, almond extract, and melted butter until well combined. Refrigerate until needed.
02 -
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23×13-cm (9×5-inch) loaf pan and set aside.
03 -
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The butter will foam and crackle as it melts. Once the crackling subsides, the butter will begin to brown. Swirl the pan occasionally. When the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl to prevent burning. Allow to cool.
04 -
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
05 -
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt until smooth. Incorporate the mashed bananas. Once the browned butter has cooled, whisk it into the mixture.
06 -
Add all wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Fold together gently, ensuring to scrape the bottom of the bowl to incorporate any hidden pockets of flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
07 -
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spread half of the almond filling over the batter. Top with remaining batter, spreading evenly. Finish with the remaining almond filling and garnish with slivered almonds. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 -
Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, then remove from pan and allow to cool completely before slicing.
# Notes:
01 -
The browned butter adds a complex, nutty flavor that complements the almond and banana perfectly.
02 -
For the most flavorful bread, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.