This Moist Banana Nut Bread is perfect for beginners! It has ripe bananas, crunchy nuts, and a lovely sweet aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes.
It’s so easy, even a monkey could make it! š Just mash some bananas, mix with simple ingredients, and pop it in the oven. Youāll have warm, delicious bread in no time!
I love having a slice for breakfast with a bit of butter. It’s quick to make and makes the house smell amazing. Plus, itās a great way to use up those overripe bananas!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of this recipe! Choose bananas that are very ripe with brown spots for the sweetest flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for a cleaner taste. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegetable oil can work well too.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor. If you’re reducing sugar, try using applesauce as a great natural sweetener.
Nuts: Walnuts are traditional, but feel free to use pecans or even omit nuts if someone has allergies. Adding chocolate chips is also a delicious twist!
How Can I Ensure My Banana Bread is Extra Moist?
Keeping the banana bread moist is key to a great texture. Here are some tips:
- Use ripe bananas as their natural sugars and moisture will enhance the bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until combined; lumps are okay!
- Adding a little yogurt or sour cream can also boost moisture, making the bread rich and tender.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutesāthis helps build moisture before transferring it to a wire rack.
Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 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 (nuts of your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This banana nut bread recipe will take approximately 15 minutes for preparation and around 60-65 minutes for baking. After it’s done baking, give it about 10 minutes to cool in the pan, then let it cool completely on a wire rack. In total, youāre looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes until your delicious bread is ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). While the oven is heating, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add in the melted butter and stir well. Then, mix in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is combined nicely.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the banana mixture. Gently stir to incorporate these dry ingredients. Be sure to mix lightly, avoiding any overmixing to keep the bread nice and moist.
4. Combine with Flour:
Now, gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until it’s just combined with the rest of the batter. You should see some lumps, but thatās perfectly fine!
5. Add the Nuts:
Finally, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cooling:
Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your moist and delicious banana nut bread! Itās perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
FAQ for Moist Banana Nut Bread
Can I Use Unripe Bananas?
It’s best to use ripe bananas that are very speckled or brown for the most flavor and sweetness. If you only have unripe bananas, you can place them in a brown paper bag to help them ripen faster.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Absolutely! You can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor. Both will keep the bread moist and delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Nut Bread?
Store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storageājust wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips or Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can be great additions. Just fold them in with the nuts to customize your banana nut bread!
