Banana Bread With Walnuts Recipe
This Banana Bread With Walnuts recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat. Made with overripe bananas for natural sweetness and enhanced with crunchy walnuts, it’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The recipe combines basic pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, with optional add-ins like cinnamon or chocolate chips for customization.
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan A standard-sized loaf pan to bake the banana bread. You can use glass, metal, or ceramic, but make sure to grease it well or line it with parchment paper.
- Mixing bowls A large bowl for mixing the wet ingredients and a separate bowl for combining the dry ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher To mash the bananas until smooth, leaving a few lumps if you prefer some texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons To measure the ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking soda accurately.
- Whisk For mixing the dry ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of the baking soda and salt.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cups unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt (and cinnamon, if using).
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into the pan, bake for 50-60 minutes, and cool before slicing.
Notes
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Banana Ripeness:
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more brown spots on the peel, the better!
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Don’t Overmix:
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
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Walnut Size:
- Chop the walnuts into small to medium pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
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Baking Time Variations:
- Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking the banana bread at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
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Storage:
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Customizing the Recipe:
- Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for variety.
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Greasing the Pan:
- Be sure to grease the loaf pan thoroughly or use parchment paper for easy removal after baking.