Banana Nut Bread Recipe

The Sweet Symphony: Irresistible Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Crafting a delightful banana nut bread can transform your kitchen into a warm, inviting sanctuary of comfort.

Aromas of ripe bananas and toasted nuts will soon dance through your home.

Soft, moist crumbs promise a delectable experience that goes beyond simple baking.

Mixing ingredients becomes an intimate ritual of culinary creativity.

Nuts add a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the sweet, tender banana base.

Home bakers love how simple techniques can yield such impressive results.

Slice into this magical loaf and savor each delicious moment of homemade goodness.

FAQs

  • What ingredients are essential for banana nut bread?

The key ingredients are ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.

  • How ripe should bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots, which are softer and sweeter, providing more natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version of banana nut bread.

  • Why do I need to sift dry ingredients?

Sifting helps remove lumps, aerates the flour, and ensures a more even distribution of baking soda and salt, resulting in a lighter, more tender banana nut bread.

What Keeps Banana Nut Bread a Pantry Essential

  • Whip Up Quickly: This banana nut bread recipe offers a super simple preparation process that lets even beginner bakers create a delicious treat with minimal kitchen skills.
  • Perfect Comfort Food: Loaded with ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, this bread delivers a warm, nostalgic flavor that brings comfort and satisfies sweet cravings in one delightful slice.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this banana nut bread works wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treat sharing.
  • Flexible Baking Options: Bakers can choose between a traditional large loaf or cute mini loaves, making it adaptable for different serving needs and preferences.

Banana Nut Bread Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe and mashed for natural sweetness.
  • Eggs: Binding agent for the bread's structure.
  • Flour: Base for the bread's texture.
Nuts and Flavoring:
  • Walnuts, Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Wet and Dry Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Creamed together for rich sweetness.
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Provides leavening and balances flavors.

Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking pans by greasing and flouring them thoroughly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your banana nut bread.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add ripe bananas and eggs to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined and creating a creamy texture with visible banana chunks.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender bread texture.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans

Step 7: Pour and Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

For a standard loaf, bake for 55-65 minutes. For mini loaves, bake 35-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Banana Nut Bread Tips for the Perfect Moist Crumb

  • Select Ripe Bananas: Use overripe, brown-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor, which enhances the bread's natural taste.
  • Prevent Sinking Nuts: Lightly coat chopped nuts in flour before adding to batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom during baking.
  • Check Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
  • Boost Moisture Levels: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for an extra tender and rich banana nut bread texture.
  • Store Smartly: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.

Banana Nut Bread Storage Made Easy

  • Wrap the banana nut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
  • Completely cool the bread, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Cut the bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, and store in a freezer bag. Thaw individual slices quickly at room temperature or in the toaster.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed bread in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore its soft, warm texture.

Side Picks for Banana Nut Bread

  • Brew Classic Coffee Companion: Complement the rich, moist banana nut bread with a smooth, medium-roast coffee that enhances the nutty and sweet flavors, cutting through the bread's density.
  • Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a light moscato or sweet riesling that matches the bread's sweetness, creating a delightful balance between the nutty texture and wine's fruity notes.
  • Serve with Creamy Accompaniment: Add a dollop of vanilla-infused whipped cream or soft cream cheese spread to elevate the bread's warmth and provide a cool, smooth contrast to its dense texture.
  • Create Breakfast Harmony: Match the banana nut bread with a cold glass of milk or a creamy cappuccino, transforming the recipe into a satisfying morning meal that feels comforting and indulgent.

Banana Nut Bread Mix Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Banana Walnut Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or mashed banana, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Nut Bread: Swap refined sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia to reduce overall sugar content and create a healthier alternative.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold dark chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent upgrade that adds rich flavor and extra sweetness.
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Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Banana Nut Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade banana nut bread brings warm comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising delectable slices packed with rich nutty flavor. Moist crumbs and sweet banana essence invite you to savor each delightful bite of this classic comfort classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 crushed ripe bananas
  • 1 1/2 cups (192 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mash ripe bananas thoroughly, creating a smooth, consistent pulp with minimal lumps.
  2. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, incorporating eggs one at a time to ensure smooth integration.
  3. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the creamy banana mixture, stirring just until combined to prevent overmixing.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract and chopped nuts, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Prepare loaf pan by generously greasing and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
  7. Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F and position rack in the center for consistent heat distribution.
  9. Bake standard loaf for approximately 55-65 minutes, or mini loaves for 35-45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
  10. Remove from oven and allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Slice and serve at room temperature, enjoying the moist texture and nutty flavor.

Notes

  • Overripe bananas create the most flavorful and moist banana bread, so save those brown bananas instead of throwing them away.
  • Toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bread.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting some with honey or maple syrup for a healthier version that still maintains sweetness.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs to ensure a perfectly baked loaf.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 93 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 2.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 33 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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