This Easy Banana Nut Bread is a cozy treat that’s perfect for beginners. Ripe bananas, crunchy nuts, and a touch of sweetness come together in one delicious loaf.
I love how simple this recipe is! Just mix, pour, and bake. Plus, the smell of fresh bread will make your kitchen feel like a warm hug! 🍌💛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star of this recipe! The browner they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or two to hasten the ripening process.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling salt levels in baking. If you’re looking to cut back on fat, consider unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt as substitutes. They keep the bread moist without adding extra butter.
Walnuts: While walnuts are traditional, you can swap them out for pecans, hazelnuts, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. If you have nut allergies, you can leave them out or use seeds instead!
Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar, but feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option. Adjust the amount to your taste for sweetness.
How Can I Make Sure My Banana Bread Stays Moist?
Keeping banana bread moist is all about the right balance of ingredients and baking time. Here are some tips:
- Use overripe bananas—they have more moisture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. This keeps the bread from becoming dense.
- Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. An inserted toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool the bread in the pan briefly before moving it to a wire rack. This helps retain moisture and prevents it from becoming too dry.
Enjoy making your banana nut bread! It’s a wonderful treat for breakfast or any time of day. 🍌🥜
Easy Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This banana nut bread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 to 65 minutes to bake. So, from start to finish, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes, not including the cooling time. Perfect for enjoying alongside your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread cooks evenly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Bananas and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Then, add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract into the banana mixture. Make sure everything is mixed together nicely to ensure a sweet and even flavor throughout the bread.
4. Add Baking Ingredients:
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to combine. These ingredients are key to helping your bread rise and develop flavor.
5. Incorporate the Flour:
Add the all-purpose flour to the bowl. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Fold in the Nuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts (or pecans) gently. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor to your banana bread.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This helps it cook evenly in the oven.
8. Bake the Bread:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (not wet batter).
9. Cool and Slice:
Let your banana nut bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps keep the bread moist and prevents it from getting soggy.
Now, slice your delicious banana nut bread and enjoy it! This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They will add the same sweetness and moisture to your bread.
How Do I Know When the Banana Bread is Done Baking?
A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread is the best test. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I Substitute the Nuts with Something Else?
Yes, you can leave out the nuts entirely if you have allergies, or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. For a sweeter twist, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruit instead!
How Should I Store Any Leftover Banana Nut Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying!
