The One Ingredient That Makes Banana Bread Taste Like It Came From a Bakery

A little goes a long way.

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Was the only silver lining of the pandemic that Alison Roman's banana bread went viral just as I got stuck at home with so much time and only so much Tiger King to watch? The terrible time at least ushered in a full-blown renaissance for the humble quick bread.

Roman's version was everything: dense and delicious. She insists it's dessert, but you can't tell me what to eat for breakfast. It became a weekly ritual in my house: As soon as one loaf was gone, I was back at the stand mixer, bananas mashed, sour cream at the ready. Her recipe was committed to muscle memory.

But even cult classics need a refresh after endless back-to-back bakes. That's when I stumbled on a little tweak that transformed it from great to bakery-worthy: adding a little instant espresso powder. In my daydream, Alison steals the idea for her next cookbook and sends me a signed copy with a note: Hey Alexandra, thanks for the banana bread upgrade. Anytime, Alison.

Why You Should Add Espresso Powder to Banana Bread

Everyone knows to add a splash of vanilla extract to cake or cookie batter, but instant espresso powder is just as powerful in warm, caramel-y bakes. In banana bread, it's a game-changer. Whether you go all out with mix-ins (chocolate chips, walnuts, toasted coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter) or keep it pure and simple, a couple of teaspoons of instant espresso powder adds a grown-up depth.

Adding instant espresso powder sharpens the sweetness, deepens the fruit's natural richness, and makes the chocolate taste downright luxurious (chips are non-negotiable in my kitchen). The result? A loaf that comes out richer, darker, and far more complex than the nostalgic classic—like the difference between a diner coffee and a carefully pulled espresso shot.

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What Is Instant Espresso Powder?

Like instant coffee, instant espresso powder is made from ground, brewed, and dried espresso beans. Unlike your go-to espresso grounds, it's not meant for pulling a morning latte—it dissolves too quickly and is designed for flavoring, not brewing.

Instead, it shines in baking and cooking. Add a spoonful to chocolate desserts and you'll get that elusive What's the secret ingredient? reaction. Or sprinkle it into a spice rub for barbecue, where it adds a smoky, bittersweet backbone that balances heat and sweetness.

How To Add Instant Espresso Powder to Banana Bread

For a standard loaf, one to two teaspoons mixed in with the dry ingredients is enough to add depth without overwhelming the banana. If you don't have instant espresso powder on hand, instant coffee works in a pinch—just choose a dark roast for the richest flavor.

You can also substitute strongly brewed coffee: Swap in a quarter of a cup of cooled coffee for an equal amount of liquid in the recipe. Just be sure to reduce the other liquid ingredients by the same amount so the batter doesn't turn runny. Either way, a little bit goes a long way in adding a jolt of flavor to a classic recipe.

from Simply Recipes | Recipes and cooking advice for home cooks https://ift.tt/FHKDaS8