This banana nut bread is super moist and packed with delicious walnuts. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast or a snack anytime! Just the right amount of sweetness makes every bite a delight!
Honestly, there’s nothing like that warm, banana-y smell wafting through the kitchen while it bakes. I can never resist having a slice (or two) fresh from the oven! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture. Overripe ones with lots of brown spots are perfect. If you don’t have fresh bananas, you can use store-bought banana puree in a pinch, though it won’t bring the same texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. You can substitute with coconut oil for a slightly different flavor or even applesauce for a lower-fat version, but it might change the texture slightly.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and a light tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix a cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It works like a charm!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch and flavor. If you’re allergic or prefer a different taste, pecans or almonds are great alternatives. You could also leave them out if you want a smooth bread.
How Do I Make Sure My Banana Nut Bread is Extra Moist?
To keep your banana nut bread moist, it’s important not to overmix the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can make the bread tough. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just enough to incorporate everything.
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum moisture.
- Adding buttermilk or yogurt helps keep the bread tender.
- Don’t skip cooling in the pan; it continues cooking and helps set the structure.
Remember, everyone’s ovens can vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick a bit earlier than the full bake time. Enjoy your baking!
Moist Banana Nut Bread with Walnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt
Extras:
- 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and around 60 to 70 minutes for baking. Plus, let’s add another 15 minutes for cooling in the pan. So plan for about 2 hours total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important first step to get that warm, cozy baking atmosphere going! Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these together helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and prevents clumping. Once combined, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a larger bowl, take your softened butter and sugar. Using a mixer or a strong arm, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds aroma and sweetness to your bread!
5. Mix in the Bananas:
Next, add the mashed bananas to your wet mixture. Make sure they are well incorporated — this is the star of your banana bread!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Alternately add the dry ingredient mix and the buttermilk to the banana mixture. Start with a bit of dry, then a bit of buttermilk, mixing gently between each addition. Remember, no overmixing! Just until everything is combined.
7. Fold in the Walnuts:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. This adds a nice crunch to your bread, and who doesn’t love a little texture?
8. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you want, sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts on top for a nice aesthetic touch before baking.
9. Baking:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and let it bake for 60 to 70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
10. Cooling:
Once baked, take the bread out and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience pays off!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful banana nut bread with crunchy walnuts! It’s a delightful addition to any meal or a sweet treat on its own. Happy baking!
FAQ for Moist Banana Nut Bread with Walnuts
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. They’ll bring the same moisture and flavor to your bread!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. For the best results, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to retain some lightness in your bread.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bread?
Certainly! You can mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for additional flavor. Just make sure to keep the overall amount of additives balanced with the wet and dry ingredients.
