This Easy Banana Nut Bread is a warm and cozy treat perfect for any time of the day. Made with ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, it’s super moist and oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, I can’t resist a slice fresh from the oven. The smell alone is enough to make anyone smile! 😊 Enjoy it with a pat of butter if you like, or just on its own.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The key to moist banana bread is using ripe bananas, with brown spots for natural sweetness. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can microwave unripe bananas for about 30 seconds to soften them, though the flavor won’t be as rich.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control of the moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, replace with applesauce in a 1:1 ratio. This change will keep the bread moist!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard for sweetness. If you want a deeper flavor, consider brown sugar instead. It also helps with moisture due to the molasses content.
Nuts: Walnuts add a lovely crunch. If you have nut allergies or simply prefer no nuts, feel free to leave them out or substitute with chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to dense bread, which we don’t want! When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you don’t see any flour streaks. Here’s how:
- After adding the flour mixture, use a spatula to fold gently.
- Turn the bowl as you fold to reach all parts without beating the batter.
- If you see some lumps, that’s okay! They’ll bake out, and your bread will be lighter.
By being gentle, you’ll create a lovely, moist loaf that’s sure to impress!
Easy Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 60 to 70 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit before slicing, so plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours in total. But trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the mashed bananas, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
4. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda throughout the flour.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined—it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Overmixing can make the bread tough.
6. Add the Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
9. Cool in the Pan:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread to set up a bit more.
10. Transfer and Enjoy:
Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your moist, delicious banana nut bread!
Happy baking! 🍌🥜
FAQ for Easy Banana Nut Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great. Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing. You can speed up the process by placing them in warm water or letting them sit at room temperature for a bit. Drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mix.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup yogurt. Both options will help keep the bread moist. Just mix it in with the wet ingredients as you would with the egg.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe in Mini Loaf Pans?
Yes, you can! If using mini loaf pans, decrease the baking time to about 30-40 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark to avoid overcooking!
