The Quick Cooking Method To Improve Lackluster Banana Bread

Sweet banana bread seems to be a go-to comfort food when a crisis strikes. This sweet baked good found its way into the American diet when the Great Depression hit in the 1930s and its popularity went through the roof during the COVID lockdown of 2020. Even when it's not in vogue, making banana bread is a great way to use up those overly ripe bananas that no one will eat. And chances are, no matter what type of banana bread you like, you will be able to find a recipe to satiate your tastebuds. From homemade brown butter banana bread to olive oil chocolate chip banana bread, there are millions of recipe variations to work your way through in pursuit of the best loaf of banana bread.

However, as you are baking up a storm, if you find that some baked banana breads seem to lose their flavor and texture after a couple of days, you aren't alone. Baked goods can start to go stale in just two to three days. But never fear, there is an easy way to resuscitate the taste of banana bread that has become "meh" and bring new life into those thick and thin slices alike. You simply need your favorite frying pan and a little butter to not only rekindle this bread's distinctive banana vibes but make it even better.  

When banana bread is on the verge of going stale, it's time to fry it. Frying banana bread on a griddle or in your favorite cast iron pan will change this baked good's texture for the good of all taste buds. Similar to when you make your favorite grilled cheese sandwich, frying bread in butter adds sweetness to it. As your slices of banana bread sit in a thin layer of melted butter and the pan heats up, the sugars will caramelize, leaving you with a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside and a beautiful, soft bite on the inside.

Of course, if you are worried about it burning, you can try Ina Garten's top tip for preventing buttered grilled cheese from burning. Garten melts her butter and then uses a baking brush to apply it evenly to the bread. This ensures it doesn't char too quickly in any one place. 

Additionally, if you are going to fry your banana bread, set your heat at medium-low to help avoid burnt banana bread. Of course, if you want to forgo frying your banana bread altogether, but still want to add a golden crunch to it, you could try toasting it in the toaster until it reaches the consistency you like and top it with your favorite spread.