Why You’ll Love This Banana Nut Bread
- Great for Any Time: Delicious as a quick breakfast or satisfying dessert.
- Moist and Tender: The bananas keep it incredibly soft and moist.
- Nutty Crunch: Chopped nuts add texture and flavor.
- Easy to Customize: Swap the nuts or add extra mix-ins like chocolate chips.
Tools You’ll Need
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Spatula
Banana Nut Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked Banana Nut Bread. This moist and flavorful loaf is packed with ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, making it a delightful treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s simple to make and perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work best)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork.
- Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped nuts gently.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy as is, or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
Notes
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
- Customize: Add a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a pat of butter for breakfast or a snack.
- Pair it with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk for a comforting treat.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Slice the bread, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this bread without nuts?
A: Yes! Simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
Q2: What type of nuts work best?
A: Walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but you can use almonds or hazelnuts too.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic
This Banana Nut Bread is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Its perfect balance of sweetness, moistness, and crunch makes it a favorite in any home. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can enjoy it as a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Did you make this recipe? Share your results and tag us on social media. We’d love to see your banana bread creations!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g
Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade banana nut bread!