Irresistible Banana Nut Bread Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Banana nut bread is a slice of heaven. Imagine a warm loaf fresh out of the oven, its sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone within a five-mile radius. The moment you take that first bite, the moist, tender crumb dances on your taste buds while bits of crunchy walnuts add delightful texture. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, one that wraps you in a cozy embrace like your favorite blanket on a Sunday morning.

I have fond memories of baking banana nut bread with my grandmother, her laughter mixing with the sound of whisking and the delightful smell of ripe bananas. We would make it for family gatherings, and each slice was met with smiles and requests for seconds. Trust me when I say this banana nut bread will bring joy to your home no matter the occasion or time of day.

Baking this banana nut bread always brings smiles to my family’s faces as they eagerly wait for the first warm slice.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness; they should be brown and spotty for best flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple in most kitchens; sifted flour ensures a light texture in your loaf.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar works well, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for added depth.

• Baking Soda: This ingredient provides the lift needed for fluffy banana nut bread; double-check its freshness!

• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!

• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add that perfect crunch and nutty flavor; consider toasting them slightly for extra richness.

• Eggs: They help bind everything together, ensuring moisture and structure in every slice.

• Butter: Melted butter gives richness; unsalted is best to control the saltiness.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and complexity to your bread’s flavor profile.

• Cinnamon (optional): Add a teaspoon for warmth; it elevates the overall profile beautifully!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal after baking.

Mash those bananas: Grab those ripe bananas and mash them in a large bowl until smooth. Aim for a creamy consistency—some small lumps are totally okay!

Mix wet ingredients: In the same bowl, add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir until well combined and creamy. The mixture should look glossy and inviting.

Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. Mixing them separately helps distribute the leavening evenly throughout your batter.

Fold in dry into wet: Gradually add the dry mix into your wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bread!

Add those walnuts: Gently fold in chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter. They should be nestled within like little nuggets of joy!

Bake away: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool before slicing: Once baked, allow the banana nut bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Patience is key here—the cooling process makes slicing easier!

Serve & enjoy: Slice thick pieces once fully cooled—or indulge while still warm! Serve as-is or slather with butter for an extra treat.

This delightful banana nut bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home—just like my grandmother’s! Enjoy every bite as you create new memories around this timeless classic.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash ripe bananas, then mix them with sugar, eggs, and melted butter before incorporating dry ingredients for a smooth batter.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add chocolate chips for a delightful twist. Experimenting can turn your banana nut bread into something extraordinary.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For reheating, microwave slices for about 10 seconds or toast them lightly.

Baking banana nut bread became a family tradition when my niece declared it her favorite treat during our Sunday brunches, demanding it every week!

FAQ

What if I don’t have ripe bananas for banana nut bread?

You can bake unripe bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they darken.

Can I freeze banana nut bread?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months; thaw before serving.

How do I ensure my banana nut bread is moist?

Use very ripe bananas and avoid overmixing the batter to keep it fluffy and moist.

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Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe

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Indulge in the warmth of homemade banana nut bread, a delightful blend of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts. This recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, making it an ideal addition to your brunch table or a comforting treat any time of day. With a golden crust and tender crumb, each slice offers a cozy taste experience that will evoke fond memories and create new ones.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with some small lumps.
3. Mix in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 38mg