Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread
If you’re a fan of banana bread but are ready to take your baking game to the next level, then this Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread is just what you need. Imagine the familiar comfort of banana bread, now with a nutty, rich twist from black sesame. The perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness creates a delightful treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This unique creation is not only visually stunning, with its beautiful swirls of black sesame, but it also packs a flavor punch that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
This Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread is a showstopper for several reasons. First, it combines the beloved flavors of classic banana bread with the unique taste of black sesame, which adds depth and richness. The swirls not only make it striking to look at but also ensure that each slice is bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a delicious gift for loved ones. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on a whim.
What You’ll Need
To make this delicious Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling on top
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tablespoons black sesame tahini
- 2 tablespoons black sesame powder or finely ground black sesame seeds
Equipment at a Glance
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients
- Whisk – to blend ingredients smoothly
- Spatula – for folding the batter
- Loaf pan – to shape your banana bread
- Oven – for baking your delicious creation
- Cooling rack – to cool the bread after baking
Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread in Steps
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Pour the melted butter into the banana mixture, stirring gently until incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 7: Prepare the Black Sesame Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the black sesame tahini and black sesame powder until smooth. Take about a third of the banana bread batter and mix it with the black sesame mixture, creating a swirl base.
Step 8: Layer the Batters
Pour half of the plain banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then, spoon the black sesame batter over the top in dollops, followed by the remaining banana batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.
Step 9: Sprinkle and Bake
Sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar over the top for a sweet crust. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
This Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. Here are some seasonal ideas:
- Spring: Serve with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a delightful brunch.
- Summer: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
- Fall: Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for a cozy, spiced version.
- Winter: Toast slices and spread with cream cheese for a warming treat on chilly days.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of black sesame tahini and powder according to your taste preference.
- If you don’t have black sesame powder, you can blend whole black sesame seeds in a food processor until finely ground.
- This banana bread can be made ahead of time and freezes well for up to three months.
How to Store & Reheat
To store your Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave or toast in a skillet until heated through.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser texture. You might want to combine it with all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf.
What can I substitute for black sesame tahini?
If you can’t find black sesame tahini, you can use regular tahini or almond butter as an alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.
Can I make this banana bread vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative.
How can I add more flavor to the banana bread?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporating mix-ins such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Because You Liked This
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to get baking! Your kitchen is about to be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a delightful afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful and delicious loaf that’s as unique as it is tasty. Happy baking!
Black Sesame Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the melted butter into the banana mixture, stirring gently until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding with a spatula until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the black sesame tahini and black sesame powder until smooth. Mix about a third of the banana bread batter with the black sesame mixture.
- Pour half of the plain banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the black sesame batter on top, then add the remaining banana batter. Swirl gently with a knife or toothpick.
- Sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar over the top and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Adjust black sesame amounts to your taste preference.
- Freeze leftovers for up to three months for later enjoyment.
