The Best Banana Bread - From Cook's Illustrated Makes one 9-inch loaf. Published March 1, 1998. Greasing and flouring only the bottom of a regular loaf pan causes the bread to cling to the sides and rise higher. If using a nonstick loaf pan, on which the sides are very slick, grease and flour sides as well as the bottom. Ingredients 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon table salt 1 1/4 cups toasted walnuts , chopped coarse (about 1 cup) 3 very ripe bananas , soft, darkly speckled, mashed well (about 1 1/2 cups) 1/4 cup plain yogurt 2 large eggs , beaten lightly 6 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted and cooled 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions 1. Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of regular loaf pan, or grease and flour bottom and sides of nonstick 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. Combine first five ingredients together in large bowl; set aside. 2. Mix m...