If you’re looking for a delicious, moist treat that’s simple to make, look no further than this Easy Banana Walnut Bread. Packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunchy goodness of walnuts, it’s a perfect choice for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This recipe is easy to follow, uses common ingredients, and results in a bread that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed – For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas with brown spots.
- 3/4 cup sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bananas.
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil) – Keeps the bread moist.
- 1/2 cup milk – Adds moisture to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and flavor of the bananas.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the baking powder to create a soft texture.
Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped – Provides a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
For Greasing:
- Oil for greasing the pan
- Baking paper
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan with oil and line it with baking paper, leaving a bit of overhang to make it easy to lift the bread out after baking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The more mashed they are, the easier they’ll incorporate into the batter.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent clumps.
Step 5: Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.
Step 6: Add Walnuts
Fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter for a nice crunch in every bite.
Step 7: Pour into the Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 8: 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. The bread should be golden brown on top.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, 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: For the best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. They are naturally sweeter and will provide better flavor.
- Mixing: Mix the batter gently to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Walnuts: If you want an extra nutty flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bananas: Provide potassium, which supports heart health, as well as fiber that aids digestion.
- Walnuts: Full of healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, walnuts are great for brain function and cardiovascular health.
Dietary Information
- This recipe is vegetarian.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the 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 your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
For longer storage, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well for banana bread. Just thaw them completely before mashing.
2. Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! You can use pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips as a substitute for walnuts if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
3. Can I make this recipe without milk?
Yes, if you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with any plant-based milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
4. How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
5. Can I make this banana bread into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes, you can transform this recipe into banana walnut muffins. Simply divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
This Easy Banana Walnut Bread is a fantastic recipe that yields a flavorful, moist bread with a satisfying crunch from the walnuts. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a homemade treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The banana bread freezes well, so it’s easy to make ahead and enjoy whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet, comforting snack. Whether you’re enjoying it warm with butter or plain, this banana walnut bread will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.