This Easy Moist Banana Nut Bread is a warm and comforting treat! Made with ripe bananas, crunchy nuts, and a hint of sweetness, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, the smell of this bread baking is enough to make anyone smile! I love slicing it warm and spreading a bit of butter on top—deliciousness in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are crucial for moisture and sweetness. The more brown spots, the better! If you don’t have bananas, consider using applesauce—about 1 cup can work as a substitute.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts are traditional, but pecans or even chocolate chips can be tasty alternatives. For a nut-free option, you can skip them entirely or try adding sunflower seeds instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for flavor control. If you’re looking to lighten the recipe, you can substitute it with half a cup of Greek yogurt, which also adds moisture.
Milk: Regular milk works well, but you could use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version without any issues.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Banana Nut Bread?
The texture is all about mixing properly! Start by creaming the butter and sugar till fluffy; this step adds air, making the bread lighter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so use a gentle hand. If you like, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for a nice crunch!
- Preheat the oven and prepare your pan beforehand for less stress later.
- Trust the toothpick test—you’re looking for it to come out clean, not wet batter.
- Let it cool in the pan first to prevent sticking. Once cool, slice and enjoy!
Easy Moist Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana nut bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake, plus about 10 minutes to cool before serving. In total, you can expect to spend a little over an hour and a half making this treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with some butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the eggs to the buttery sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once incorporated, stir in the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures an even distribution of the baking soda and salt in the flour.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want your bread to be tender!
6. Adding Nuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts (or pecans) until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step can add wonderful texture and crunch to your bread!
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the delicious banana nut batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It’s ready to go into the oven!
8. Baking:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and do the toothpick test—inserting a toothpick into the center should come out clean when it’s done.
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as you please—enjoy your warm, moist banana nut bread!
Can I Use Unripe Bananas for This Recipe?
It’s best to use ripe bananas for optimal moisture and sweetness. However, if you only have unripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.
Can I Substitute the Nuts?
Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit them. Alternatively, you can substitute with chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Nut Bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before pouring into the pan and baking. Enjoy freshly baked banana bread any time!
