This banana nut bread is super moist and filled with delicious walnuts! It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack, and it makes your whole kitchen smell amazing.
Whenever I have ripe bananas, I can’t resist making this! It’s so easy to whip up, and I love to toast a slice with butter. Trust me, it’s a cozy delight you won’t want to miss! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are best for this recipe as they provide natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you could bake regular bananas at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until they soften and darken.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works nicely here.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is classic, but you can substitute it with brown sugar for deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may affect the color slightly.
Walnuts: I prefer walnuts for their rich flavor and crunch. If you’re allergic or don’t like nuts, feel free to replace them with chocolate chips or leave them out entirely.
How Can I Make Sure My Banana Nut Bread Is Moist?
To achieve moist banana nut bread, focus on not overmixing your batter. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the bread dense. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
- Be gentle when folding in the walnuts. This coaxing keeps your bread soft and airy.
- Checking for doneness can also help. Start checking at 60 minutes—overbaking can dry it out.
A quick tip: Letting the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps it stay moist! Enjoy every fluffy slice! 🍞
Moist Banana Nut Bread with Walnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warm flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping, if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana nut bread will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. So, in total, plan for about 1.5 hours including prep and baking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, you can prepare your loaf pan. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. Then, stir in the melted butter until it’s all combined. Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well blended.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). This step will ensure your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps! This will help keep your banana nut bread soft and moist.
5. Add the Walnuts:
Now, gently fold in the chopped walnuts. If you like, you can save a few to sprinkle on top for an extra crunch!
6. Bake the Loaf:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when it’s ready.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take your banana nut bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy every fluffy slice with your favorite drink—coffee or tea, anyone?
This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat any time of day. Enjoy your moist, flavorful banana nut bread!
FAQ for Moist Banana Nut Bread with Walnuts
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great for banana nut bread. Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing. They may be a bit mushy, but that’s perfect for adding moisture to your bread!
What Can I Substitute for Walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have an allergy, you can easily substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Nut Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap the banana nut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for longer storage!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Batter?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your bread by adding dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, or even a teaspoon of nutmeg for extra flavor. Just be sure not to overmix when incorporating additional ingredients!