This is what happens when you mix CANDIED BACON into banana bread batter!  Yummmm!  Breakfast all wrapped up in a neat slice!!    

This is TWO recipes!  Because from now on, I bet you'll BAKE your bacon (it's SO simple, and clean up is a breeze!) and maybe you will even candy it every now and then!!  

You can make the bread with, or without the bacon.  Either way it's delicious!  I have to say, adding the bacon was a REALLY nice change!!  I think next time I will add some nuts along with the bacon...if you like nuts in your banana bread--ADD THEM!   

BANANA BREAD WITH CANDIED BACON

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup crumbled candied bacon (recipe below)
Brown sugar (for sprinkling--I didn't measure)
3 medium size ripe bananas
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups flour
1/2 cup walnuts (or pecans)-- optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

MAKING THE BACON:

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Line baking sheet with foil.

Arrange bacon in a single layer on baking sheet.  (I use Applegate Naturals, Nitrate free)

Sprinkle very lightly with brown sugar. (see picture.)

Bake 10 minutes, and then lightly sprinkle again with brown sugar.

Continue cooking another 10 minutes or until the bacon is well done.  (if your bacon is thick you may need to cook it a bit longer!)

Drain bacon on paper towels, then crumble into big pieces.  (Try REALLY hard not to eat it all!  I admit, I did have a little taste!)

MAKING THE BREAD: (no mixer required!)

Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.

Butter or spray a loaf pan.

Mash the bananas on a plate.  (I like mine a bit chunky!)

Put eggs into a large bowl and beat lightly.

Add the mashed bananas, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, salt and butter to the eggs.  Stir until combined.

Add the flour and mix just until combined. 

Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, save some for the top!  (Try REALLY hard not to eat all of this delicious, crunchy, candied bacon!!!!!  I admit, I did try a tiny piece!)

Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. 

Cool a few minutes in the pan and then move to a rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!