Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Banana Bread

Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Banana Bread

8 servings
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jake Gyllenhaal, both longtime fixtures of film and theater, warmly recall the banana bread that their mother, Naomi Foner, would often have waiting for them when they returned home from school. Over the years, and after many baking sessions, some of the written measurements in that recipe (saved from a Sunbeam recipe booklet) have been obscured. Now, the siblings make the banana bread to suit their own tastes. Their version has less sugar, twice as many nuts and a touch more baking soda than the original, resulting in a tender loaf that has a subtle sweetness and plenty of crunch.

Ingredients

  • cup/113 grams unsalted butter

    plus more for greasing the pan

    ½
  • cups/192 grams all-purpose flour
    1 ½
  • baking soda
    2 ½ tsp
  • fine salt
    ½ tsp
  • cup/134 grams sugar

    plus more for sprinkling

    ⅝
  • eggs
    2 large
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • cups/280 grams mashed ripe banana

    from 2 ½ large

    1 ¼
  • cup/110 grams sour cream
    ½
  • cup/100 grams chopped toasted walnuts and pecans
    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, using a hand-held electric mixer on medium-high speed (or by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon), beat the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 1½ minutes, stopping and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla. Beat in the banana and sour cream until well blended.

  4. 4

    Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low just until blended, scraping the side of the bowl as necessary, then stir in the nuts.

  5. 5

    Transfer the batter to the prepared pan; sprinkle the top lightly with sugar. Bake 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. 6

    Let the bread cool slightly in the pan, then loosen and remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Let cool thoroughly before serving. Wrap leftover banana bread in foil and store at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Banana Bread

Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Banana Bread

120 min8 servings399 cal

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About this Recipe

Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Beloved Banana Bread

Indulge in a taste of Hollywood home cooking with Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Banana Bread! This cherished family recipe, passed down from their mother Naomi Foner, offers a truly special twist on a classic comfort food. Forget overly sweet, dry loaves – this version is thoughtfully crafted to be a tender, moist, and delightfully crunchy treat, perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a cozy make-ahead dessert.

What makes the Gyllenhaal siblings’ banana bread so unique? They’ve perfected their mother’s original recipe to suit their tastes, resulting in a loaf with less sugar for a more subtle sweetness that allows the natural banana flavor to shine. They also double down on the texture, incorporating twice as many nuts – a delicious combination of toasted walnuts and pecans – delivering an irresistible crunch in every bite. A touch more baking soda ensures a beautifully tender crumb, while sour cream adds incredible moisture and a delicate tang that elevates the entire experience.

This easy vegetarian recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. It's a fantastic way to use up those ripe bananas on your counter! Serve warm with a pat of butter, alongside your morning coffee, or as a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. The subtle sweetness and hearty crunch make it incredibly satisfying, and yes, it makes for great leftovers too! Whether you’re sharing with family or savoring a slice solo, this banana bread offers a comforting embrace of home.

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