This easy banana walnut bread is a delicious and moist treat, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, this bread is full of flavor and incredibly simple to make. The combination of sweet bananas, vanilla, and a touch of crunch from the walnuts creates a comforting and satisfying loaf that everyone will love. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack!
Preparation Time
- Total Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Active Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 1 hour
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for greasing the pan
- Baking paper
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan with oil and line it with baking paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bread out after baking.
- Mash the Bananas:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Add the sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Mix the Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Add Walnuts:
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour into the Loaf Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, lift the bread out using the baking paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy your banana walnut bread on its own or with a spread of butter.
Cooking Tips
- Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Mixing: Mix the batter until just combined to ensure a light and tender texture.
- Walnuts: You can toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter for an extra nutty flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber.
- Walnuts: Add healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch.
Dietary Information
- This recipe is vegetarian.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 10 slices)
- Calories: Approximately 210 kcal
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Fiber: 1.5 grams
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and walnuts creates a moist and flavorful bread that’s hard to resist.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
- Versatile: Enjoy this bread as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast.
Conclusion
This easy banana walnut bread is a delightful and versatile treat that’s perfect for any time of day. With its moist texture and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a spread of butter, this banana bread is a comforting and satisfying option that everyone will love. Bake a loaf today and savor the simple pleasures of homemade banana bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture and added fiber.
- Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
- Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will make the bread even more delicious.
- How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Can I substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup?
- Yes, you can substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup, but you may need to reduce the amount of milk slightly to balance the moisture.
- What can I serve with banana bread?
- Serve with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite nut butter for a delicious treat.
- Can I make muffins with this batter?
- Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Can I use frozen bananas?
- Yes, thaw the bananas before mashing and using them in the recipe.
- How do I keep the bread from drying out?
- Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist.
- Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?
- Yes, you can customize the bread with your favorite nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries.
- How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.