Perfect Banana Nut Bread
Banana nut bread is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Its sweet aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes, making it the perfect treat for breakfast or snack time. This recipe will guide you through making the perfect banana nut bread that is moist, flavorful, and packed with crunchy nuts.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this banana nut bread. First, it is a great way to use up overripe bananas that you might otherwise toss away. Second, the combination of bananas and nuts creates a delicious flavor that is hard to resist. Third, it is easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Whether you are serving it to family or friends, this banana nut bread will impress everyone!
How to Make Perfect Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) real unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups very ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 medium)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease the bottom only of a 9″ x 5″ x 3″ loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer), combine the melted butter and both sugars. Mix on medium speed for about one minute until light and smooth.
- Add the eggs and mix for about one more minute until the mixture looks light and lemony.
- Add the vanilla, mashed bananas, and buttermilk. Mix for an additional 30 seconds on medium speed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, just enough to combine them.
- Add the chopped nuts and mix for another 30 seconds to blend.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake the bread for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You should see a long vertical crack along the top of the bread.
- Once baked, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan. Let it cool in the pan for five minutes. Then, invert the bread onto a wire cooling rack and turn it over so the top is facing up.
- Allow it to cool completely before slicing. You can serve the bread at room temperature, slightly warmed, or toasted.
- Store the bread in an airtight container.
How to Serve Perfect Banana Nut Bread
Banana nut bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a slab of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You can also add chocolate spread for a sweeter twist.
How to Store Perfect Banana Nut Bread
To keep your banana nut bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Perfect Banana Nut Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor; they should be brown and soft.
- Let the butter cool slightly before adding it to the mixture to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the bread tough.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add chocolate chips or dried fruits.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different types of nuts or even adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick. You could also try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make it healthier.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Frozen bananas work well. Just let them thaw and mash them before adding them to the mix.
2. Can I make this bread without nuts?
Absolutely! If you don’t like nuts, feel free to leave them out. The banana bread will still taste great.
3. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Check the bread at the minimum baking time with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it has batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Perfect Banana Nut Bread!
Perfect Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Sift before measuring for accuracy.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Can be adjusted according to taste.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup real unsalted butter, melted Let it cool slightly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar Packed.
- 2 large eggs At room temperature.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups very ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 medium)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
Nuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Use chopped for even distribution.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom only of a 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer), combine the melted butter and both sugars. Mix on medium speed for about one minute until light and smooth.
- Add the eggs and mix for about one more minute until the mixture looks light and lemony.
- Add the vanilla, mashed bananas, and buttermilk. Mix for an additional 30 seconds on medium speed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, just enough to combine them.
- Add the chopped nuts and mix for another 30 seconds to blend.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake the bread for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan after baking. Let cool in the pan for five minutes before inverting onto a wire cooling rack.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Perfect Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Sift before measuring for accuracy.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Can be adjusted according to taste.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup real unsalted butter, melted Let it cool slightly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar Packed.
- 2 large eggs At room temperature.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups very ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 medium)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
Nuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Use chopped for even distribution.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom only of a 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer), combine the melted butter and both sugars. Mix on medium speed for about one minute until light and smooth.
- Add the eggs and mix for about one more minute until the mixture looks light and lemony.
- Add the vanilla, mashed bananas, and buttermilk. Mix for an additional 30 seconds on medium speed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, just enough to combine them.
- Add the chopped nuts and mix for another 30 seconds to blend.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake the bread for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan after baking. Let cool in the pan for five minutes before inverting onto a wire cooling rack.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing.
