Description
Warm, comforting banana bread with pecans delivers a nostalgic Southern classic that wraps home baking magic into one delightful loaf. Fragrant spices and toasted pecans create a delectable treat perfect for sharing with friends and family during lazy weekend mornings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 overripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- Confectioners sugar (optional, for dusting the bread after cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment at 350°F (175°C). Coat a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper for effortless bread removal.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to distribute leavening agents evenly.
- Mash two bananas in a separate bowl, maintaining a slightly chunky consistency for enhanced bread texture.
- Cream remaining bananas with sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into the banana-sugar mixture. Blend until smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix minimally to prevent gluten development, stopping when flour streaks disappear.
- Integrate mashed bananas and chopped pecans into the batter. Optional: Sprinkle additional pecans on top for extra crunch.
- Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan, tapping to eliminate air pockets. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning.
- Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should emerge clean. Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Slice and serve, optionally toasting and dusting with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.
- Overripe bananas work best for maximum sweetness and moisture in the banana bread, so save those brown bananas instead of throwing them away.
- Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same tender texture and delicious taste.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the banana and pecan flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg