Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread is a classic and delicious recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this simple and flavorful bread is perfect for any occasion. In this article, you’ll discover the easy steps to make your own perfect loaf, helpful tips to ensure it’s moist and flavorful every time, and creative variations to customize the recipe to your liking. Get ready to bake a treat that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delight everyone who tries it!
Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients for Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread
To make a delicious loaf of Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ripe Bananas (3 medium to large bananas)
- The key to a moist, flavorful banana bread is using ripe bananas. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or fully ripened for the best taste.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
- The base of the bread, this helps create a soft and fluffy texture.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Essential for helping the bread rise and giving it a light, airy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Enhances the flavors of the bread and balances out the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick)
- Adds richness and flavor to the bread. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup)
- Provides sweetness and contributes to the golden color of the bread.
- Egg (1 large)
- Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Adds a subtle, warm flavor that complements the banana and nutty notes.
- Buttermilk (1/4 cup)
- Provides moisture and a slight tanginess that makes the bread tender.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1 cup)
- Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. You can toast them for extra flavor, but raw is perfectly fine too.
- Optional:
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) for a warm spice flavor.
- Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup) if you’d like to add a touch of sweetness.
These ingredients combine to create a rich, moist loaf with a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
Directions for Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread
Follow these detailed steps to make a perfectly moist and flavorful Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mash the Bananas
- In a medium bowl, peel and mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher. Mash until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture if desired. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk. Cream until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the mashed bananas, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If you want to add cinnamon, mix 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the dry ingredients as well.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and airy.
- If the batter is too thick, add 1/4 cup of buttermilk and stir until smooth.
- Add the Nuts
- Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. If you want to include chocolate chips, you can fold those in as well.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Banana Nut Bread
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve your homemade Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread. Enjoy it plain, or add a pat of butter for an extra treat!
With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious loaf of banana nut bread that’s sure to be a hit!
Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Loaf pan 9x5 inches
- Mixing bowls 1 large for wet ingredients and 1 medium for dry ingredients
- Electric mixer or whisk Fork or Potato Masher
- Fork or Potato Masher to mash the bananas
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas and mix with softened butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold into the banana mixture.
- Add chopped nuts (and optional chocolate chips or cinnamon) and stir until combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Bananas: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The browner, the better! If you have frozen bananas, thaw them before using.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
- Pan Size: Make sure you're using a 9x5-inch loaf pan for the perfect loaf size. A different-sized pan may affect the baking time.
- Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around 55 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Storage: Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customization: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, coconut, or dried fruit, to make the bread uniquely yours!
- Greasing the Pan: Make sure to grease your loaf pan properly to prevent sticking, or use parchment paper for easy removal.
Tips for Perfect Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas
- For the best flavor and moisture, use bananas that are overripe with plenty of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. You can even freeze overripe bananas and thaw them before using.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
- Ensure Proper Butter Softness
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with sugar. Cold butter won’t mix as smoothly, and melted butter can cause the bread to be greasy.
- Toast the Nuts for Extra Flavor
- Toast your walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the batter. This brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor.
- Check for Doneness
- Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness at 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your banana nut bread is ready.
- Let the Bread Cool Completely
- Allow your banana nut bread to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice without it falling apart.
- Store Properly to Keep It Moist
- To keep your banana nut bread moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Use Buttermilk for Extra Tenderness
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mix of 1/4 cup milk and 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar. This slight acidity helps tenderize the bread and creates a richer texture.
- Add Fun Variations
- Mix things up by adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut to the batter. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm twist.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to bake a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread that everyone will love!
Conclusion
In conclusion, making Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread is an easy and rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it with your favorite nuts or even a few fun add-ins like chocolate chips. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this classic banana nut bread will surely impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and give this tasty recipe a try—your kitchen will be filled with wonderful aromas, and your taste buds will thank you!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!