This Moist Banana Nut Bread is a tasty treat that’s simple to make. It uses ripe bananas and crunchy nuts to give you a soft, sweet loaf everyone will enjoy!
If you’ve got bananas that are getting a bit too ripe, this is the perfect way to use them up. I love how my kitchen smells while it bakes—like a warm hug! 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of this recipe! Make sure they are very ripe, as this adds sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or two, or even bake them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes to speed up ripening.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter spread.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and tanginess. You can substitute with an equal amount of applesauce or buttermilk if needed. Greek yogurt works well too for extra protein.
Nuts: Walnuts are traditional, but pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips can be used for a twist. If someone has nut allergies, simply omit them and consider adding seeds like sunflower seeds for texture.
How Do I Prevent Overmixing for a Perfect Texture?
Overmixing can lead to tough banana bread, so here’s how to avoid that:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately at first. It’s easier to combine without overdoing it.
- When you combine them, stir just until you see no more flour. A few lumps are okay!
- If you’re folding in nuts, do it gently until they are evenly distributed—this helps keep the bread light and fluffy.
Remember, less mixing leads to a soft and moist loaf!
Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy banana nut bread recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit before slicing. So, you can expect the total time to be about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to avoid any sticking later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and avoid clumping. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s important as it adds air to the mix, making your bread softer!
4. Add the Eggs:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure they’re fully incorporated before adding the next egg. This helps the mixture to come together smoothly.
5. Incorporate the Bananas and Cream:
Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract, just until everything is combined. You want it to be mixed but still a little lumpy from the bananas—that’s what gives it great character!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Carefully mix with a spatula or large spoon until just combined—don’t overmix! Lumps are okay, as this keeps the bread soft and moist.
7. Add the Nuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently. They add a nice crunch and flavor to the bread!
8. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy this moist, flavorful banana nut bread warm or at room temperature as a delightful breakfast treat or tasty snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll be just as sweet and moist, making your banana bread delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Nut Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better texture.
What Other Nuts Can I Use?
While walnuts and pecans are traditional, feel free to use any nuts you like! Almonds or hazelnuts work well, or you can even add chocolate chips for a fun twist.
