Nutty Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Nutty Banana Bread is everything you love about the classic banana bread, but with the added texture and flavor of crunchy nuts. It’s a simple, one-bowl recipe that uses ripe bananas, making it the perfect way to use up overripe fruit. The combination of bananas and nuts not only adds flavor but also gives the bread an extra boost of healthy fats and protein. Plus, it fills your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread—a great way to start your day or treat yourself to a delicious, homemade snack!

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix of both)

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in the chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

9. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked nutty banana bread!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 60-65 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.

• Vegan Nutty Banana Bread: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative.

• Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the dry ingredients for a spiced kick.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

• Dried Fruit Addition: Add raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for extra texture and sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the fridge for up to a week to extend its freshness.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight.

• Reheating: To reheat slices of banana bread, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly! Just thaw them and mash them before adding them to the batter. They may release more moisture than fresh bananas, but that will make the bread even more moist.

Can I make banana bread without nuts?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe without nuts. You can skip them entirely or replace them with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or additional spices.

Can I add other fruits to this banana bread?

Yes! You can add berries, chopped apples, or even shredded coconut to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

How can I make this banana bread healthier?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. For a lower-fat option, you could use applesauce in place of the butter.

How do I prevent my banana bread from sinking in the middle?

To prevent the banana bread from sinking, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can cause air pockets. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t open the oven door too soon to check on the bread while it’s baking.

Can I make this bread in a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan?

Yes! You can make banana bread muffins by spooning the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Can I use less sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar amount to suit your preference. Bananas are naturally sweet, so you can cut the sugar by 1/4 cup or even use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Can I make banana bread with unripe bananas?

It’s best to use ripe bananas for banana bread, as they are sweeter and easier to mash. If you only have unripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

Can I add more nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

Yes, you can add extra nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans, or try adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Nutty Banana Bread is a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and crunchy nuts creates a comforting loaf that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with butter, Nutty Banana Bread offers a wonderful balance of flavor and texture in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate a variety of mix-ins or dietary preferences. Try it today for a satisfying, homemade treat that’s both nutritious and indulgent!