Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Banana nut bread is a timeless treat, blending the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the satisfying crunch of walnuts. This moist, flavorful bread is a delightful option for breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a comforting dessert. The aroma of freshly baked banana nut bread wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich banana flavor and the nutty texture of chopped walnuts, making it a staple in any baker’s repertoire.
Ingredients and Preparation
To create this delicious banana nut bread, start by gathering your ingredients. It’s essential to use very ripe bananas; the more spotted and brown they are, the better. Ripe bananas are sweeter and impart a more intense banana flavor to the bread, ensuring that every bite is packed with that quintessential banana taste.
Once you’ve assembled your ingredients, begin by mashing the bananas until they are smooth and free of lumps. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before combining it with the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. The key to a well-prepared banana nut bread is in these initial steps, as they set the foundation for the texture and flavor of the final product.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this banana nut bread involves a few simple yet crucial steps. Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the bread, enhancing the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Next, in a separate large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk the mashed bananas with the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This step ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense and tough bread. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy, a sign that the bread will bake up light and tender. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
Once the batter is ready, pour it into a greased 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan. Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time allows the flavors to meld together, while the bread develops a beautiful golden crust.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the Best Bananas:
Opt for bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Avoid Overmixing:
Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, which is the opposite of what you want in a moist, tender banana bread.
Storage Suggestions:
Store banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I Substitute the Walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips can be used in place of walnuts for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Know When the Bread is Done?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Banana nut bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple accompaniments. A pat of butter adds richness, while cream cheese offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the bread. For a touch of luxury, drizzle a bit of honey over a warm slice. This bread also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk, making it a versatile treat for any time of day.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving banana nut bread, presentation is key. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, even cuts. A sharp bread knife works best for this task. Serve slices warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Leftover banana nut bread can be transformed into something entirely new. Consider making banana bread French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and frying them until golden brown. Another creative idea is to cut the bread into cubes, toast them, and use them as croutons in a sweet breakfast salad or a topping for yogurt.
Banana nut bread is a comforting, homemade treat that’s sure to please any crowd. With its rich banana flavor, crunchy walnuts, and perfectly moist texture, it’s a recipe that deserves a place in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy it as a simple snack or dressed up with a spread of your choice, this banana nut bread is sure to become a household favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of freshly baked banana nut bread.
Ingredients
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 ½ cups mashed banana (about 3 large or 4 medium very ripe bananas)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are well distributed.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender. Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven, carefully take it out of the pan, and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 6 tablespoons salted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 ½ cups mashed banana about 3 large or 4 medium very ripe bananas
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are well distributed.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender. Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven, carefully take it out of the pan, and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.