The Ultimate Comfort Classic Banana Nut Bread
Craving easy banana nut bread This homemade recipe is a classic for a reason Moist nutty and ready in under 90 mins Get the full banana bread recipe easy here ... Healthy Eats
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort?
Ever stare at those brown bananas thinking "uh oh"? Well, don't bin 'em! We're turning those spots into the ultimate comfort food: Easy banana nut bread .
Seriously, is there anything better than that warm, sweet, nutty flavour?
A Slice of History
Banana bread is a classic American bake. It became super popular during the Great Depression. People didn't want to waste overripe bananas.
My nan always made it. It is a quick bread recipe which is simple and quick. This recipe is dead simple, so relax.
The whole thing takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes and makes about 10 delicious slices.
Bakeshop Benefits
This homemade banana bread is a winner. It is great for using up ripe bananas for bread. It also smells amazing while baking.
The banana bread with nuts is also full of potassium. Serve it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even dessert. Honestly? It's good anytime.
It is a moist banana bread recipe. Now, let's gather our ingredients.
The Ultimate Comfort Classic Banana Nut Bread Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
What You'll Need
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- ½ cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
So there you have it. This classic banana bread recipe is quick to bake and even quicker to disappear. This recipe is also the best easy bread recipes to bake on a chilly day.
Enjoy your fresh banana nut bread!
Ingredients & Equipment
Honestly, making Easy banana nut bread at home isn't that hard. It's one of those easy bread recipes anyone can nail.
This guide makes it even simpler. Plus, the smell of homemade banana bread baking is amazing . Let's dive into what you'll need.
Main Players
Here's what you need. Ripe bananas for bread are super important!
- Bananas : 3 very ripe bananas, mashed. That's about 1 ½ cups (US) or 350 ml (metric). Seriously, the browner the better. Those are ripe bananas for bread .
- Butter : ½ cup (US) ( 1 stick/113g ), melted. Use unsalted.
- Sugar : 1 cup (US) ( 200g ). Granulated is best.
- Eggs : 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- Vanilla : 1 teaspoon . The good stuff makes a difference.
- Flour : 1 ½ cups (US) ( 192g ). All-purpose flour.
- Baking Soda : 1 teaspoon . Make sure it's fresh.
- Salt : ½ teaspoon . Balances the sweetness.
- Nuts : ½ cup (US) ( 50g ). Chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted. Toasting gives the banana bread with nuts a deeper flavor.
For the bananas? Look for tons of dark spots. They should practically mash themselves. Seriously!
Seasoning Shenanigans
Let's talk flavor.
- Cinnamon + Nutmeg: A pinch of each adds warmth.
- Vanilla Extract: Don't skip this. It rounds out the flavors.
- Almond Extract: Just a tiny bit. Like ¼ teaspoon. It adds a fancy touch.
If you don't have nutmeg, allspice works in a pinch. Honestly, it is an easy banana nut bread recipe that can be changed to what you have!
Tools of the Trade
You don't need fancy gear.
- Loaf Pan: 9x5 inch (US) or 23x13 cm (metric). Essential.
- Mixing Bowls: A few sizes.
- Whisk: For the wet stuff.
- Spatula: For folding.
- Toothpick: To check if it's done.
No whisk? A fork works. No fancy spatula? A spoon is fine. It is a quick bread recipe with any equipment!.
Remember, making moist banana bread recipe is about simple pleasure, it's so much better than shop-bought! Get your hands dirty and have fun with it, and you too can make a classic banana bread .
Enjoy!
The Ultimate Comfort: Classic Easy Banana Nut Bread
Honestly, who doesn't love banana bread ? It's one of those easy bread recipes that always hits the spot. It reminds me of my nan's kitchen.
The smell of homemade banana bread is pure comfort. We will use the baking method for oven-baked banana nut bread, it is pretty simple, even if you're just starting.
Prep Steps for Peak Perfection
Essential mise en place. First things first, gather your ingredients. Mash those ripe bananas for bread . Melt the butter and measure out the sugar.
Time-saving organization tips ? Get everything weighed and ready before you even turn on the oven. This makes baking smooth and quick.
And of course, preheat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) ! Safety first, mind those oven burns.
Baking Banana Nut Bread in a Nutshell
- Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease your 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl. Small chunks are totally fine.
- Whisk the melted butter and sugar together. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Fold in your chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Pour into the pan. Bake for 60- 65 minutes .
- Let cool before slicing.
Visual cues for doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Pro Tips for a Cracking Banana Bread Recipe Easy
Want a moist banana bread recipe every time? Don’t overmix the batter. That's key. I always add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth.
If the top starts browning too fast, tent it with foil, and be sure to use the best ripe bananas.
Common mistakes to avoid? Overbaking. That's a big no-no. Make-ahead option? This banana nut bread tastes even better the next day.
So, why not bake it a day in advance?
Recipe Notes for Easy Banana Nut Bread
This easy banana nut bread is more than just a recipe. It’s about comfort, tradition, and using up those bananas that are ripe bananas for bread .
Honestly, every time I bake it, the smell takes me back to my Nan's kitchen. Ah, memories! So, before you dive in, here are a few extra bits of knowledge to make this homemade banana bread truly special.
Elevating Your Slice: Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you've got your banana nut bread fresh out of the oven. Now what? Presentation is key. A simple slice is lovely, but why not get fancy?
Think a light dusting of icing sugar. Or even a smear of cream cheese. You know what else works? A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice.
Pair it with your favorite tea or a strong coffee. It’s a match made in heaven! Honestly, the possibilities are endless.
Keeping It Fresh: Storage Tips
Let's talk storage. If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (unlikely in my house!), here’s the lowdown:
- Refrigeration is your friend. Wrap the moist banana bread recipe tightly in cling film or foil and it'll last for about 3 days in the fridge.
- Fancy freezing it? Slice it up first. Then wrap each slice individually. This makes for easy grabbing later. It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave works wonders. Or, pop a slice in the toaster for a bit of crispness. Mmm!
Switch It Up: Variations on a Theme
This classic banana bread recipe is fab as is, but feel free to get creative!
- Got a gluten intolerance? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works like a charm!
- Want to get seasonal? Swap out the walnuts for pecans in the autumn. Or, add some blueberries in the summer. See? Baking with bananas is just the best!
Nutrition Nuggets: Health Benefits
Let's be real, this isn't health food. But! It's not all bad either. Each slice has around 210 calories and offers a bit of fiber.
Plus, bananas are packed with potassium. Think of it as a treat with a tiny bit of goodness thrown in.
So there you have it. A few extra tips to make your banana bread with nuts experience even better. Now go on, get baking with bananas ! And don't forget, this quick bread recipe is all about having fun.
Enjoy! Seriously, I encourage you to go try easy bread recipes . You can do it! This banana bread recipe easy is simply amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Easy banana nut bread dry? It's drier than a vicar's wit!
Dry banana nut bread is a common baking woe! It's often caused by too much flour or overbaking. Make sure to measure your flour accurately (spooning and leveling is best!) and don't overmix the batter. Also, keep an eye on the bread in the oven – a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I freeze my Easy banana nut bread to save it for later?
Absolutely! Banana nut bread freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer bag. It'll keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a quicker fix – perfect with a cuppa!
My bananas aren't quite ripe. Can I still make this Easy banana nut bread recipe?
While very ripe bananas are ideal for maximum sweetness and moisture, you can speed up the ripening process. Pop them in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two. If you're really in a pinch, you can bake them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until softened – just let them cool before mashing.
What kind of nuts are best for Easy banana nut bread, and do I have to use them?
Walnuts and pecans are classic choices for banana nut bread, providing a lovely flavour and texture. But feel free to experiment! Hazelnuts or even macadamia nuts would be delicious. And if you're not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you can absolutely leave them out altogether or substitute with chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
Can I make this Easy banana nut bread healthier? It sounds a bit naughty!
You certainly can lighten it up! Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. You could also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber. Consider reducing the sugar slightly or swapping it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup – just remember that this might slightly alter the texture.
How do I stop my Easy banana nut bread from sinking in the middle?
A sunken middle often indicates that the bread wasn't fully cooked or that the oven temperature wasn't consistent. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking. A quick check with a thermometer will confirm the accuracy of your oven. You can also try baking the bread in a slightly lower temperature, for a longer time to ensure it is cooked through.