Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cups very ripe Bananas, mashed
- 3/4 cup packed Light Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 large Eggs, lightly whisked
- 1/2 cup finely grated English Cucumber, excess liquid pressed out
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger and 2 tablespoons Molasses
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda and 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the whisked eggs and molasses, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Fold the mashed bananas and the prepared, moisture-squeezed grated cucumber into the wet mixture until evenly distributed. The cucumber adds moisture but must be pressed beforehand to prevent the bread from becoming gummy.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula only until the flour streaks disappear. Take care not to overmix the batter, which can lead to tough bread.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Step 6: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best flavor and moisture retention, store the cooled, wrapped bread at room temperature for 3 days; refrigerate if keeping for up to one week.
- To reactivate the spices and restore that fresh-baked warmth, slices can be briefly reheated in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil and warmed in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Slice thickly and serve warm with a smudge of softened goat cheese or cream cheese for a tangy contrast to the warm ginger and subtle cucumber notes.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to rigorously press all excess water from the grated cucumber—this crucial step prevents the bread from turning dense or gummy while ensuring you retain the subtle, fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American