This banana nut bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of walnuts for a delightful texture and flavor. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert, it’s a versatile treat that everyone will enjoy.
The recipe is simple, and the outcome is so satisfying. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and create something comforting that will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a smear of butter, this banana nut bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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2 eggs
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts
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1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
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1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix together mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir until just combined.
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Fold in the chopped walnuts and lemon juice, if using.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
The Irresistible Appeal of Banana Nut Bread
Banana nut bread is a beloved classic that graces many homes and tables, from casual family breakfasts to gatherings with friends. With its warm, comforting aroma and the perfect blend of banana sweetness and nutty crunch, this bread offers an irresistible combination that many find hard to resist. It’s a simple recipe that’s been passed down through generations, loved for its ease of preparation and the way it effortlessly fills the kitchen with the smell of something delicious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, banana nut bread is a great choice for any occasion.
The beauty of banana nut bread lies in its versatility. You can customize the recipe in so many ways to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. It’s a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas, which often end up wasted, and turn them into something delicious. The nuts add not only a bit of texture but also a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the bananas. And, as an added bonus, it’s incredibly satisfying to bake. The simple act of combining ingredients and watching the bread rise in the oven can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience.
Why Banana Nut Bread Is Perfect for Every Occasion
Banana nut bread is one of those comforting recipes that’s perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy breakfast, packing a snack for lunch, or serving a treat for tea time, it fits in seamlessly. Its sweet and hearty flavor makes it an excellent addition to your morning routine, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s also a great option for those moments when you need a quick and easy snack that’s both filling and delicious.
If you’re hosting guests, banana nut bread makes for an excellent offering. It’s simple to prepare ahead of time, and because it can be served warm or at room temperature, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The moist texture and subtle sweetness make it the perfect treat to accompany a conversation, and the addition of walnuts gives it a delightful crunch that’s sure to satisfy anyone who enjoys a bit of texture in their treats. It’s one of those foods that always seems to disappear fast, no matter how much you make!
Health Benefits of Banana Nut Bread
While banana nut bread is often categorized as a treat, it’s not without its health benefits. Bananas, the star of the bread, are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. These nutrients help maintain healthy blood pressure, support immune function, and contribute to overall well-being. When you include walnuts in your banana bread, you’re adding even more nutritional value. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
Additionally, the fiber in both bananas and walnuts contributes to digestive health, making this banana nut bread a more wholesome option than many other baked goods. The nuts provide protein and healthy fats, helping to keep you satisfied longer. While it’s still important to consume banana nut bread in moderation due to its sugar content, it can certainly be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Banana Nut Bread for Special Diets
Banana nut bread is highly adaptable, making it a great option for those with special dietary needs. For those who need a gluten-free option, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to check that the baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free. You can also make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter with a non-dairy option like coconut oil or plant-based margarine and using almond milk or another dairy-free milk in place of buttermilk.
For a lower-sugar version, you can reduce the amount of sugar used or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. This makes banana nut bread a great option for those watching their sugar intake, such as people with diabetes or those following a low-carb diet. You can also experiment with different nuts or add-ins like seeds or dried fruits to create a more customized version.
Banana Nut Bread: A Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
One of the most common uses for overly ripe bananas is making banana nut bread. If you find yourself with a bunch of bananas that are a little too ripe to eat on their own, you can easily turn them into a delicious loaf of banana nut bread. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Overripe bananas are softer, which makes them perfect for mashing and incorporating into the bread batter.
This makes banana nut bread an excellent way to reduce food waste. Instead of throwing out bananas that have passed their prime, simply mash them up and bake them into a tasty treat. It’s an eco-friendly way to get the most out of your ingredients while also creating something delicious.
How to Store and Freeze Banana Nut Bread
Banana nut bread can be easily stored to enjoy later, making it a convenient option for meal prep or future enjoyment. After baking, allow the bread to cool completely before storing it. You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve it for longer, you can freeze banana nut bread. Simply slice the loaf into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pull a slice from the freezer, let it thaw at room temperature, or warm it up in the microwave or oven. This makes it easy to have banana nut bread on hand whenever you need a quick snack or a comforting treat.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Banana Nut Bread
Banana nut bread is one of those classic recipes that never goes out of style. It’s comforting, easy to make, and loved by everyone who tries it. The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts creates a flavor and texture that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with others, banana nut bread is always a hit.
In addition to its great taste, banana nut bread is versatile, customizable, and can be made to fit different dietary needs. It’s also a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, reducing food waste while creating something that everyone will love. It’s a recipe that brings people together, fills your home with warmth, and offers a comforting snack or dessert any time of day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious loaf that’s perfect for sharing or savoring on your own.
So the next time you have a few ripe bananas sitting around, consider baking a loaf of banana nut bread. It’s the perfect way to turn those bananas into something special, and it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.