This Easy Homemade Banana Nut Bread is so tender and tasty! With ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime of the day.
You can’t beat the smell of this bread baking! I always sneak a slice while it’s still warm. 🍌 It’s super simple—just mix, pour, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas, as they are sweeter and mushier, which helps to make the bread moist. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, feel free to substitute with coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce, which works great too!
Sugar: I find that 3/4 cup of sugar is perfect, but you can adjust the sweetness according to your taste. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans both add great texture. If you can’t have nuts, try adding chocolate chips or shredded coconut instead or simply skip them altogether.
How Can I Ensure My Banana Nut Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
To make sure your banana nut bread turns out moist and fluffy, follow these tips:
- Use overripe bananas. The more spots, the better—this means they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
- Don’t overmix your batter. Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep the bread light.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let it cool slightly in the pan. This helps to prevent it from breaking apart when you remove it.
Easy Homemade Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana nut bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-65 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your homemade bread in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
Take your ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork, mash them until they’re nice and smooth. The more mashed they are, the better they’ll blend with the other ingredients!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and give it a good stir. Next, add in the sugar, the beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix them all together until everything is well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the banana mixture and stir them in. Now, go ahead and add the flour, mixing just until it’s incorporated. Make sure not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Add the Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. This step adds a wonderful crunch to your banana bread!
6. Pour and Bake:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 60-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy your warm, delicious banana nut bread!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Banana Nut Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully. Just thaw them completely, mash them, and drain any excess liquid before adding them to your mixture. They’ll bring amazing sweetness and moisture to your bread!
Can I Substitute the Sugar in the Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia; just ensure you check the conversion as some sweeteners are sweeter than sugar.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Nut Bread?
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 before enjoying it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bread?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your bread by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost. Just remember not to overload the batter!
