This Easy Banana Nut Bread is the perfect blend of sweet, ripe bananas and crunchy nuts. It bakes up to be super moist and flavorful, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or snack time!
Honestly, I love how simple it is to whip this up. Just mash the bananas, mix in the other ingredients, and pop it in the oven. You’ll be enjoying warm, yummy slices in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are perfect here. They add the right sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives great flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try substituting with coconut oil or melted margarine. Both work well in this recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is what I use, but if you’re looking to cut back on refined sugars, using brown sugar can provide a deeper flavor. You can also use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid content accordingly.
Nuts: I love walnuts for their texture, but feel free to use pecans or even leave them out if you’re nut-free. Sunflower seeds or chocolate chips can be tasty substitutions!
How Do I Get Moist Bread Without Overmixing?
Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so it’s key to mix just enough. Here’s how:
- Once you add the flour, stir until you see no more flour pockets, but leave a few lumps. This helps keep the bread light.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon rather than an electric mixer to combine ingredients. This gives you more control.
- Be gentle! Folding in ingredients rather than stirring vigorously will keep the batter fluffier.
By paying attention to the mixing and using ripe bananas, you’ll achieve that deliciously moist banana nut bread. Enjoy baking!
Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe for Moist, Delicious Loaves
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Time Needed:
This banana nut bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 60-65 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can slice it up and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little butter or cooking spray, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork. Aim for a smooth consistency, but it’s okay to have a few lumps—it adds texture!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas, stirring until well combined. Then, mix in the sugar, the beaten egg, and the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is nicely blended together.
4. Add Baking Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle the baking soda and pinch of salt over the mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold these into the banana mixture.
5. Combine with Flour:
Now it’s time to add the flour. Gently fold the flour in until it’s just combined! This is a crucial step—be careful not to overmix, as it can make the bread tough.
6. Fold in Nuts (If Using):
If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now. They’ll give your banana bread a lovely crunch and extra flavor!
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 60-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it once it’s cool, and enjoy your delicious banana nut bread!
Enjoy your moist and delicious banana nut bread! It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
FAQ for Easy Banana Nut Bread
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread. They provide the best sweetness and moisture. The browner, the better!
What if I Don’t Have Walnuts or Pecans?
No problem! You can leave them out entirely, or substitute with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, or dried fruit for a different flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Nut Bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure you have a larger mixing bowl and an additional loaf pan if needed. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick.