Caramelized Banana Walnut Loaf

1. Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven is heating up, grease an 8½ by 4½-inch loaf pan with a bit of vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.

2. Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. This mixture will form the base of your loaf.

3. Microwave the bananas

Next, take 5 of the bananas and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl and microwave the bananas for about 5 minutes. This step helps to soften the bananas and release their natural sugars, which will enhance the flavor of your loaf.

4. Drain the bananas

After microwaving, transfer the bananas to a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium bowl and let them drain for about 15 minutes. This process removes excess moisture, which intensifies the banana flavor. You should see a good amount of liquid collected in the bowl.

5. Reduce the banana liquid

Pour the collected banana liquid into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces to approximately ¼ cup. This reduction will concentrate the banana flavor, making your loaf even more delicious.

6. Mash the bananas

Combine the reduced banana liquid with the microwaved bananas in a medium bowl and mash until mostly smooth. This ensures a smooth mixture that will incorporate evenly into your batter.

7. Mix wet ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well blended. This mixture adds richness and sweetness to the loaf.

8. Combine wet and dry ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined. You may still see a few streaks of flour, which is fine. If you're using walnuts, fold them in at this stage.

9. Prepare the loaf for baking

Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Slice the remaining banana and arrange the slices in two rows on top of the batter, leaving a 1½-inch-wide space down the center. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the banana slices.

10. Bake the loaf

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 75 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Cool the loaf

Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the rack for about 1 hour before slicing.