Ingredients

Banana Bread

  • 5 overripe bananas
  • 140 grams (5 ounces) sugar
  • 140 grams (5 ounces) butter
  • 200 grams (7 ounces) flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • a pinch of salt
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) walnuts

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl

    A good-sized mixing bowl will help you combine all the ingredients with ease. Choose one that's large enough to comfortably mix without ingredients spilling over.

  • Fork or Blender

    You'll need this to puree the bananas. While a fork can do the job, a blender makes it smoother and quicker.

  • Hand Mixer

    A hand mixer efficiently beats the eggs, helping to incorporate air and achieve a lighter texture in your banana bread. If you don’t have one, a whisk will do just fine, but it requires a bit more effort.

  • Loaf Pan

    A standard loaf pan is perfect for baking banana bread. Grease it with butter and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

  • Baking Spatula

    Use a baking spatula to fold in the nuts and completely transfer the dough to your loaf pan without leaving any behind.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 338-356°F (170-180°C). This will ensure that your oven is at the right temperature by the time you're ready to bake your banana bread.

Step 2

Step 2: Roast the walnuts in a pan over medium heat until they are golden brown, then let them cool and chop them. Roasting the nuts enhances their flavor, making your banana bread even more delicious.

Step 3

Step 3: Mash the overripe bananas in a mixing bowl using a fork or a blender until smooth. For a chunkier texture, use a fork. For a smoother texture, use a blender.

Step 4

Step 4: Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave, let it cool slightly, and then add it to the banana puree. It's important not to add hot butter to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.

Step 5

Step 5: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and the sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The salt helps to enhance the sweetness of the sugar.

Step 6

Step 6: Combine the banana-butter mixture with the egg-sugar mixture, mixing until smooth. Make sure all ingredients are well-incorporated for an even batter.

Step 7

Step 7: Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture and add the chopped walnuts. Gently fold everything together until just mixed. Over-mixing can result in a denser final product.

Step 8

Step 8: Grease a loaf pan with butter and lightly sprinkle it with flour. This helps to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan.

Step 9

Step 9: Pour the batter into the prepared mold, and if desired, place a sliced banana on top for decoration. A banana on top adds visual appeal and extra banana flavor.

Step 10

Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the bread towards the end of the baking time.

Step 11

Step 11: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting it cool in the pan helps it set and makes it easier to remove.

Servings

Serving Suggestions and Ideas

When your banana bread is fresh out of the oven, let it cool slightly but enjoy a warm slice for the ultimate comfort experience 💛. Spread a bit of butter or cream cheese on top for an extra touch of richness.

Hosting a brunch? Serve banana bread slices alongside a refreshing fruit salad 🍇🍓 and some Greek yogurt for a balanced and delightful spread. Pair it with freshly brewed coffee or tea ☕, and you’ve got a simple yet elegant offering.

Feel creative? Cut your banana bread into cubes and add them to a breakfast parfait. Layer the cubes with yogurt, honey 🍯, and berries for a delicious and visually appealing dish.

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations

Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend 🎂. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps replicate the structure that gluten provides.

Vegan Version: Use a non-dairy butter spread and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) 🌱. Ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly (some sugars are processed with bone char).

Faq

  • Why does my banana bread sink in the middle?

    Your banana bread may sink due to undercooking. Make sure to test with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the bread is done. Also, make sure not to overmix the batter, which can add too much air and cause the bread to collapse as it cools.

  • Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

    Yes, frozen bananas work well in banana bread. Thaw them completely and drain any extra liquid before mashing and adding them to the batter.

  • How can I make my banana bread more moist?

    To achieve a moist banana bread, ensure you correctly measure your ingredients. Adding an extra banana or a dollop of sour cream can also improve the moisture level.

  • What can I add to banana bread for extra flavor?

    You can mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to give your banana bread a unique twist.

  • Can I double the recipe and bake it in one pan?

    While you can double the recipe, it's advisable to split the batter between two pans. This ensures even baking and prevents the bread from being undercooked in the middle.

  • How do I store banana bread to keep it fresh?

    Banana bread can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed plastic bag; it can last up to three months in the freezer.

Nutrition facts

Banana bread with walnuts
Recipe Yield:1 loaf
Calories:This entire loaf of banana bread contains approximately 3500-3700 calories. Individual serving size will vary based on the number of slices made.
Calories (Min - Max):3500 - 3700
Total Fat:170g
Saturated Fat:85g
Protein:50g
Total Carbohydrate:450g
Total Sugars:250g