Delicious and Healthy Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Welcome to the delectable world of banana banana nut bread recipe! If you’re already salivating upon hearing the name of this classic treat, then you are in for a mouthwatering treat that’s easy to make at home. In this recipe article, we’ll take you through an easy-to-follow guide on how to bake a rich and moist banana bread with added pecans for extra crunch.

Why settle for just any loaf of bread when you can have the best banana nut bread? This recipe is the ultimate solution to your late afternoon cravings or holiday treats. It is easy to make, enjoy and share with your loved ones. Moreover, when using ripe bananas, the outcome is a moist and flavorful texture that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.

The banana nut bread recipe involves a few simple steps that are both quick and easy. You’ll start by preparing ripe bananas mixed with instant banana pudding mix and adding in dry ingredients like cinnamon, flour, baking soda, baking powder alongside chopped pecans. The result of this concoction is a heavenly aroma that wafts through the kitchen as the cake bakes in the oven.

This recipe can satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth without being overly sugary. With just a hint of sweetness, an extra dose of flavor derived from toasted nuts and ripe bananas makes this loaf the ideal breakfast or snack option. By following this guide explicitly for making perfect Banana Banana Nut Bread Recipe, you’ll be able to celebrate life with every slice.

So, are you ready to indulge yourself in a dense and flavorful banana nut bread? Head on to step two to learn all the reasons why you will love this recipe which features our secret ingredient!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Banana Nut Bread
Banana Banana Nut Bread

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that has become a staple in most households. However, have you ever tried Banana Banana Nut Bread? Once you taste it, there will be no going back to plain old banana bread.

Firstly, this recipe is incredibly moist and packed with flavor thanks to the use of not one but two types of bananas. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the instant banana pudding mix gives it a delightful banana flavor.

Secondly, this recipe takes only minutes to prepare and bakes up into a beautiful loaf that will make your house smell like a bakery. It’s perfect for when you have unexpected guests or simply want to whip up something delicious for your family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Thirdly, the addition of pecans adds a satisfying nutty crunch to every bite. It also adds extra nutrition as pecans are high in healthy fat, fiber, and antioxidants.

Lastly, this recipe is versatile and adaptable. You can add chocolate chips, raisins or swap out the pecans for walnuts if you prefer. In fact, Sally’s Baking Addiction blog even suggests adding sour cream or cream cheese frosting to take it to the next level.

Overall, if you want to make the best banana bread in town, Banana Banana Nut Bread is the way to go. So why not give it a try? You’ll thank yourself when you have a warm slice with butter and a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning.

Ingredient List

“This bread is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S! (Sorry, couldn’t resist)”

Let’s Talk Ingredients!

Before we dive in, let’s get the ingredients for this moist banana nut bread recipe out of the way. You’ll need mature, ripe bananas, which are the star of the show, so make sure they are very ripe to get that sweet and intense flavor. For dry ingredients, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Additionally, 1 package of instant banana pudding mix and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon will lend flavor to the bread.

For the wet ingredients, you’ll need 2 eggs lightly beaten, 3-4 mashed bananas for optimum banana flavor, a half cup of buttermilk. Lastly, you’ll need unsalted butter (room temperature), granulated sugar (white or brown), and vanilla extract to bring it all together. Optionals but delightful ingredients include chopped pecans and walnuts for some crunch inside your soft banana bread. But nothing is stopping you from being creative in improving this recipe.

The Recipe How-To

“Get ready to go nuts for this banana nut bread”

Now that we’ve gone through the ingredients list, it’s time to get baking. Don’t worry, this recipe is easy and straightforward to follow, but it does require some patience as it takes around an hour to bake. Trust me, the wait is worth it.

Preparation

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×5 inch (22×12 cm) loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of chopped pecans with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter while baking.

Mixing the Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  2. In another mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of unsalted butter with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or stand mixer.
  3. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, making sure they are fully incorporated before adding the next egg.
  4. Mix in 4 ripe mashed bananas, 2 tablespoons of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can cause your bread to be tough.
  6. Lastly, fold in the floured pecans into the batter.

Baking

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the surface using a spatula.
  2. Place in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. If you find that your bread is browning too quickly on top but is still undercooked on the inside, cover it with foil halfway through baking.
  4. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for around 10-15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Congratulations! You’ve just made yourself a scrumptious Banana Nut Bread! Told you it was easy! Now all that’s left is to slice up your bread and enjoy it while still warm or cooled down.

But hold on a second…what if you want to adapt this recipe to your liking? Check out section (5) Substitutions and Variations for ideas on how you can tweak this Banana Bread recipe according to your taste preferences!

Substitutions and Variations

“When life gives you overripe bananas, make banana nut bread”

There are many ways to put your own spin on this delicious banana nut bread recipe. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations that can take this classic treat to the next level:

– Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with other types of flour, like whole wheat flour or almond flour, for a healthier option.

– Nuts: Pecans are the star of the show in this recipe, but you can substitute them with other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a different flavor profile.

– Spices: Cinnamon is a common spice used in banana bread recipes, but you can add other spices to give it more depth. Nutmeg, ginger or cardamom are great options to try out.

– Banana pudding mix: If you don’t have any banana instant pudding mix on hand, you can use vanilla instead. You’ll still get that yummy banana flavor from the ripe bananas in the recipe!

– Sugar: If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider substituting some of the white sugar with brown sugar or even honey.

– Chocolate chips: Add some chocolate chips to your banana bread for an extra layer of sweetness. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

– Sour cream: For an even more moist cake-like texture, try substituting half the amount of buttermilk with sour cream for a sour cream banana nut bread variation.

Remember to always experiment in small quantities first before committing to bigger changes; and have fun experimenting with the wide variety of kitchen ingredients at your disposal!

Serving and Pairing

“This bread is so good, you won’t be-leaf it’s homemade”

Serving and pairing are crucial aspects of enjoying a good loaf of banana nut bread. This moist, flavorful treat goes well with various accompaniments, whether you prefer a classic cup of coffee or a more unconventional pairing like tangy sorbet.

For an indulgent breakfast, slice your freshly baked banana nut bread and smear it with creamy butter. Layer some honey or jam for an extra kick of sweetness. You can also enjoy it alongside a bowl of chilled yogurt and fresh fruit for a light, refreshing brunch experience.

When it comes to serving this bread as a dessert, there are countless options available. Scoop a generous helping of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm slices to create an irresistible dessert that everyone will crave. Or sprinkle some chopped pecans over the top before baking to elevate the nutty flavor and add some crunch.

Moreover, if in the mood for something more exotic, try spicing up your banana nut bread by adding a dollop of whipped cream or pouring some salted caramel sauce over it. The combination of sweet bread and salty caramel results in an ideal balance that sates the palate.

Whether you enjoy your banana nut bread plain or with a sidekick, the baked delicacy is sure to satisfy any craving without overpowering.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

“A slice a day keeps the frown at bay”

The banana banana nut bread recipe is simple to make ahead, store and reheat for future consumption. You can easily make this bread a day or two ahead of when you plan to serve it by following the recipe directions and baking the bread until golden brown. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container or bag. It will keep well at room temperature for up to three days.

If you decide to keep your banana nut bread in the refrigerator, it will last for up to five days. To extend its shelf life even further, you can opt to freeze the bread. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag before storing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, slice off what you need and let it thaw at room temperature.

Reheating the banana nut bread is easy and guarantees that you get a warm and moist slice every time. You can simply pop a slice into your toaster, microwave or oven until heated through, depending on your preferred method. For best results when reheating, tightly wrap slices of the banana nut bread in aluminum foil before heating them in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This helps retain moisture and ensures that your bread tastes as fresh as when you first baked it.

Follow these simple Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating tips and enjoy the delicious and moist flavors of homemade banana banana nut bread long after you’ve baked it!

Tips for Perfect Results

“I put the ‘nut’ in banana nut bread”

Now that you have decided to make Banana Banana Nut Bread, you might want to consider some tips to ensure a perfect batch. Making sure you follow the recipe and measurements accurately is key to success, but here are some additional tips:

Firstly, be sure to use ripe bananas. Bananas that have brown spots or are overly soft are perfect for this recipe as they will enhance the banana flavor and help keep the bread moist.

Another tip is to sift your dry ingredients together before adding them to your wet mixture. This will ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter and create a smoother texture in your bread.

It’s easy to overmix the ingredients when making quick breads like this one, so be careful not to mix too much after adding in the flour mixture. Overmixing can cause air pockets to disappear, leading to a dense and dry loaf.

If you prefer a more nutty flavor, try roasting your pecans or walnuts before adding them into the batter. This will bring out their natural oils and intensify their flavor.

Using unsalted butter also gives you better control over the saltiness of the bread. If using salted butter, make sure to adjust the salt measurements in the recipe accordingly.

Lastly, let your bread cool completely before slicing it. Slicing while still warm can make it crumble and fall apart easily. Also, store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for an extended shelf life.

By following these tips, you’ll create a moist and flavorful Banana Banana Nut Bread every single time!

FAQ

As with any recipe, there may be questions that come up along the way. To save you some time and trouble, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to this banana banana nut bread recipe. Whether you are curious about substitutions, variations, or storage tips, we’ve got you covered. Keep on reading to get answers to some common queries and bake this delicious bread with confidence.

When should you not eat bananas for banana bread?

When it comes to baking banana bread, the key to success lies in choosing the right bananas. Contrary to what one might think, the best bananas for this recipe are not the bright yellow ones, but rather the black or brown ones. Ideally, they should still have a hint of green at the stem. In fact, the riper the bananas are, the better the bread will be. So don’t hesitate to go for the extremely ripe ones!

Why can’t you use ripe bananas for banana bread?

Using ripe brown bananas in baking can prevent your baked goods from becoming mushy or starchy, which can sometimes occur when using under-ripe or green bananas. This tip can come in handy to achieve a perfect texture in your baked treats. Just make sure to use bananas that are ripe enough not to have greenish flesh on the inside.

Why is my banana nut bread so dry?

One common mistake when making banana bread is incorrect flour measurement. Adding too much flour could result in a dry and dense banana bread while using too little flour will make your banana bread overly moist. Hence, it’s crucial to measure the flour accurately.

Why is my banana nut bread gummy?

When it comes to making a soft and tender banana bread, it’s crucial not to overmix the batter. To avoid this, I suggest gently stirring the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Overmixing will result in more gluten formation, leading to a tough, rubbery banana bread, which is not what we want. Simply stir until the batter is moist, and then don’t do any more stirring to prevent the bread from being overmixed.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this banana nut bread recipe is a delectable treat that is easy to make and will satisfy your cravings for something sweet and nutty. With its moist texture and rich flavor, it is sure to please even the most discerning palate.

I highly recommend giving this recipe a try, as it has become one of my personal favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find that it’s straightforward and requires just a handful of ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store.

So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of this banana nut bread and enjoy it as a snack or dessert. You can even freeze it for later if you don’t finish the whole loaf in one sitting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you won’t be able to resist making it again and again!

Banana Banana Nut Bread

Banana Banana Nut Bread Recipe

This is an incredibly moist and tender Banana Nut Bread. The addition of the instant banana pudding gives it an extra banana "kick". I find baking it at a lower temperature avoids burning the edges. My DH likes it for breakfast served under two eggs over easy.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: < 4 Hours, Breads, Quick Breads
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 2 Loaves
Calories: 3093.3kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 8 ounces butter, softened at room temperature (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 (3 1/2 ounce) box instant banana pudding mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 medium)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°.
  • Grease two 9 x 5 loaf pans.
  • Cream butter and sugar well.
  • Add buttermilk, eggs and vanilla and mix well.
  • Add instant pudding, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon, mixing well.
  • Slowly add flour, one cup at a time, until well mixed.
  • Peel bananas, mash and add to mixture.
  • Add pecans and mix until blended.
  • Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1853g | Calories: 3093.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 430.5g | Protein: 40.1g | Fat: 141.9g | Saturated Fat: 65.1g | Cholesterol: 527.7mg | Sodium: 3570.6mg | Fiber: 14.6g | Sugar: 259.4g

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