This Easy Banana Nut Bread is a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast or snack time. It’s made with ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, giving it a sweet and nutty flavor!
Making this bread is as easy as pie—well, even easier! I enjoy toast and serving it with a bit of butter. Trust me, it makes the house smell amazing, and your friends will want the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be soft and speckled with brown spots. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag overnight.
Butter: Unsalted butter is standard, but you can use coconut oil or melted margarine if you prefer. It will still give the bread a moist texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical here, but if you want a hint of brown sugar flavor, feel free to swap half the granulated sugar for brown sugar.
Nuts: Walnuts add a nice crunch, but pecans or even chocolate chips work well if nuts are off the table. You can omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
How Can I Make Sure My Banana Nut Bread Turns Out Perfect?
Mixing techniques are important. Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour, as this can make your bread tough. Gently fold everything together until you can’t see flour anymore. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in last!
- Preheat your oven fully before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- If your bread is browning too fast, you can cover the top with aluminum foil midway through baking.
Easy Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or your favorite nuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Banana Nut Bread recipe will take approximately 10 minutes for preparation and about 60-65 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack, making the total time around 1 hour and 15 minutes before it’s ready to slice and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas well, then stir in the melted butter until combined. This is the base of your bread, so make sure it’s nice and smooth!
3. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla:
Next, add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the banana mixture, then gently fold it in. This helps to ensure even distribution of the baking soda.
5. Add the Flour:
Now it’s time to add the flour. Pour it into the mixture and stir just until it’s combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your bread to stay light and fluffy.
6. Fold in the Nuts:
Finally, add your chopped walnuts (or any nuts you prefer) and fold them into the batter evenly.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula so that it bakes evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Check it by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, gently remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious homemade banana nut bread warm or at room temperature—it’s perfect with a little butter on top!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Different Nuts?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, you can use pecans, hazelnuts, or even chocolate chips if you’d prefer. If you’re allergic to nuts, simply omit them altogether!
How Ripe Should My Bananas Be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with brown spots and a soft texture. If you only have yellow bananas, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag overnight.
Can I Freeze Banana Nut Bread?
Yes, you can! Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What If My Bread Sinks in the Middle?
This can happen if the bread is underbaked or if too much leavening agent was used. Always check your bread with a toothpick for doneness! If it sinks after baking, don’t worry; it’s still delicious!
