Banana Bread with Walnuts

If you have a couple of ripe bananas sitting on your counter, it’s time to turn them into a comforting, moist, and utterly delicious treat: Banana Bread with Walnuts. This classic recipe is easy to make, packed with natural sweetness, and features the satisfying crunch of walnuts that perfectly complements the soft crumb. Whether it’s your breakfast, afternoon snack, or a quick dessert, this banana bread is sure to become a household favorite.

Why This Banana Bread with Walnuts Stands Out

What makes this Banana Bread with Walnuts truly special is its simplicity and balance. Using just 2 to 3 ripe bananas ensures the bread is moist without being overly dense. The addition of melted butter gives it a rich flavor and tender texture. Baking soda lends the perfect rise, while a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness naturally brought by the bananas and sugar. The chopped walnuts add an irresistible crunch and a subtle nuttiness that turns a simple banana bread into something extraordinary. Plus, the vanilla extract gives a lovely aromatic touch that makes every slice smell like pure comfort.

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to enjoy banana bread, this recipe is a must-try. For a different twist on banana flavors, you might want to check out this Easy Banana Bread Recipe as well.

What to Buy

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful)
• 1/3 cup melted butter (unsalted is best for control over saltiness)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (helps the bread rise)
• Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness)
• 3/4 cup sugar (can be granulated or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 1 large egg, beaten (acts as a binder and adds moisture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for aroma and depth)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (the base of our bread)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for texture and flavor)

Before You Start: Equipment

• Loaf pan (8×4 inch is ideal for this recipe)
• Mixing bowls (one for wet ingredients and one for dry)
• Fork or potato masher (to mash the bananas)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
• Whisk or spoon (to combine ingredients)
• Cooling rack (to let the bread cool evenly)

Banana Bread with Walnuts in Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your banana bread comes out clean and intact.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Peel your ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth with just a few lumps remaining. The natural sweetness and moisture from the bananas form the heart of this bread.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir to combine. Then mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the bread tough.

Step 6: Add Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly into the batter. These add delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that elevates the banana bread experience.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This prevents sogginess on the bottom. Once cooled, slice and enjoy! For another delightful banana dessert idea, don’t miss the Caramel Banana Cake Roll.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

• If you’re allergic to nuts, omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free.
• Swap the sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly version.

Pro Perspective

Here are a few tips to take your banana bread to the next level:

• Use very ripe bananas: The blacker the skin, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don’t skip the salt: A small pinch enhances all the other flavors.
• Mix gently: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your bread tough.
• Test for doneness carefully: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking at 55 minutes.
• Toast walnuts: For extra flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes before adding them to the batter.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

After baking, let your Banana Bread with Walnuts cool completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation and sogginess. Store the bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

To rewarm, slice the banana bread and heat it in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds until warm. This brings back the soft texture and makes the walnuts taste freshly toasted again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fewer bananas?

Yes, this recipe calls for 2 to 3 ripe bananas. Using 2 bananas will result in a slightly less moist bread, but it will still be delicious. Adjust based on the size and ripeness of your bananas.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all work beautifully. Just chop them roughly to maintain the crunchy texture. For a nut-free version, you can omit nuts entirely or use seeds.

Is it necessary to use melted butter?

Melted butter helps achieve a tender crumb and rich flavor, but you can substitute with an equal amount of neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if preferred.

How do I make the bread more moist?

Using ripe bananas is key to moisture. Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients for extra tenderness and moisture.

You Might Also Like

• Easy Banana Bread Recipe – A simple twist on classic banana bread.
• Caramel Banana Cake Roll – A luscious banana dessert with caramel swirls.
• Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Without The Crust – Another great way to use bread and nuts in a comforting dessert.

Save & Share

If you loved this Banana Bread with Walnuts, don’t forget to save the recipe for later and share it with your friends and family. It’s perfect for gifting, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon treat at home.

This delightful banana bread recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the satisfying crunch of walnuts to create a treat that’s as wholesome as it is tasty. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again whenever you want a slice of homemade comfort. Happy baking!

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