Why Make This Moist Banana Nut Bread
Moist Banana Nut Bread is a beloved classic that brings comfort in every bite. Its sweet aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes, making it impossible to resist. This recipe not only highlights the natural sweetness of ripe bananas but also combines the crunch of walnuts and the chewy texture of raisins, creating a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you need a simple breakfast option, a snack for tea time, or a dessert after dinner, this banana bread checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your countertop.
How to Make Moist Banana Nut Bread
Making Moist Banana Nut Bread is straightforward and requires minimal effort. You’ll enjoy the process as you combine simple ingredients to create a delightful loaf that’s perfect for sharing. All you need is a mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and about an hour of your time. As you bake this bread, you’ll fill your home with the delicious scent of baked goods, making it an experience worth savoring.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8 inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mix the melted butter with the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Stir in the baking soda and salt.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; small lumps are okay.
- Fold in the walnuts and raisins gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if needed.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (1/12 of the loaf):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
How to Serve Moist Banana Nut Bread
Serve slices of Moist Banana Nut Bread warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or spread a bit of butter for extra richness. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. You can also toast the slices for a crispy exterior, which adds an interesting texture. Consider cutting it into thin slices for a delightful addition to brunch or serving it as a delicious snack for your kids after school.
How to Store Moist Banana Nut Bread
To keep your Banana Nut Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it by wrapping it in foil and putting it in a ziplock bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Moist Banana Nut Bread
- Choose the Right Bananas: Look for bananas that have lots of brown spots; the riper the banana, the sweeter the bread.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding flour, mix just until combined to keep your bread tender.
- Add More Flavor: Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
- Try Different Nuts: If walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans or almonds work wonderfully too!
- Check for Doneness: If the top of the bread gets too brown, you can cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Tropical Banana Bread: Mix in shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts for a fun tropical variation.
- Maple Banana Bread: Substitute half of the sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten-sensitive diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can! Frozen bananas work perfectly. Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them before using.
2. How can I tell when my banana bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, give it additional time.
3. Can I skip the nuts?
Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free bread, just leave them out, or substitute with seeds for added crunch.
Conclusion
Moist Banana Nut Bread is a heartwarming recipe that’s easy to whip up and sure to please everyone at the table. The perfect blend of sweetness and texture will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try today. Your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to share your experiences or any fun variations you come up with in the comments! Happy baking!
Print
Moist Banana Nut Bread
- Total Time: 80
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A beloved classic banana bread that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with crunchy walnuts and chewy raisins.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8 inch loaf pan.
- Mix the melted butter with the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Stir in the baking soda and salt.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Incorporate the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the walnuts and raisins gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature; great with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 65
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: banana bread, dessert, baking, snack, vegetarian
