These Banana Nut Bagels are a tasty twist on your regular bagel! Made with ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, they offer a delightful mix of flavors that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love enjoying these bagels warm, maybe with a bit of cream cheese! Plus, they’re a fun way to use up those overripe bananas hiding in your kitchen. Who can say no to that? 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The key to flavor is using ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. If you’re out of bananas, you can use 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture, but it will change the flavor a bit.
Active Dry Yeast: One packet of yeast is standard. If you have instant yeast, you can use the same amount without needing to dissolve it first!
All-Purpose Flour: This recipe calls for a lot of flour; it’s what helps the bagels hold their shape. If you’re looking for whole grain goodness, substitute half with whole wheat flour. Just remember, it may change the texture slightly.
Walnuts: I love adding chopped walnuts for crunch. If nuts aren’t your thing, you can leave them out or swap in chocolate chips or dried fruit for a twist!
Cinnamon: This is optional, but I find it adds a warm, cozy flavor. If you want something different, consider adding nutmeg or vanilla extract instead for a new hint of flavor.
How Do I Knead Dough Effectively?
Kneading is important to develop the gluten in your dough, which gives your bagels their chewy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Dust your surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- With both hands, push the dough down and away from you with the heel of your hands.
- Fold the dough back toward you and give it a quarter turn. Repeat this process.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic when ready. An easy check is to poke it; it should bounce back!
Make sure to incorporate those chopped walnuts in the last few minutes of kneading to spread them evenly throughout the dough!
How to Make Delicious Banana Nut Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For Boiling:
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling water)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. After that, it requires about 30 minutes for boiling and baking. In total, you can expect to spend around 2 hours to make your yummy banana nut bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Start by finding a small bowl. Dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly on top—that’s how you know it’s activated!
2. Make the Dough:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Pour in your frothy yeast mixture and mix everything together well.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Now, sprinkle in the salt and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Gradually add the flour, stirring until a lovely dough forms. It might be a little sticky but that’s okay!
4. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your countertop or a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and stretchy. Don’t forget to incorporate those chopped walnuts during the last few minutes of kneading!
5. Let it Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and find a warm spot for it to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It should double in size, so give it some space to grow!
6. Shape the Bagels:
After the dough has risen, it’s time to punch it down. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger and gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches in diameter.
7. Prep for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Get a large pot, fill it with water, and bring it to a boil. Don’t forget to stir in the baking soda—it’ll give your bagels that shiny crust!
8. Boil the Bagels:
Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Add the Finishing Touches:
Beat the egg in a small bowl, then lightly brush the top of each bagel with it. Top with some extra chopped walnuts for a crunchy finish.
10. Bake & Cool:
Put the bagels in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and delicious looking. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool on a wire rack before diving in!
Enjoy your fresh homemade banana nut bagels with cream cheese, butter, or just by themselves!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas can actually be easier to mash. Just thaw them beforehand (you can leave them in the fridge overnight or use a microwave) and drain any excess liquid before mixing them into the dough.
What If I Don’t Have Walnuts?
No problem! You can replace walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds, or even skip them altogether for a nut-free version. For a different twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries instead.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
To keep your bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just slice them before freezing for easy toasting later.
Can I Make These Bagels Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum or add some if your blend doesn’t include it. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
