This moist banana nut bread is a warm hug in a loaf! With ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, it’s sweet and comforting, perfect for breakfast or a snack. You won’t believe how easy it is!
I love how my kitchen smells while it bakes! It’s so simple to mix up the ingredients and pop it in the oven. Two words: banana bliss! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are crucial for flavor and moisture. Look for ones with brown spots on the peel. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can microwave unripe bananas for about 30 seconds to speed up the process.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over salt levels. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute, although they may alter the flavor slightly. I enjoy the richness of butter in this recipe!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and slight tang. If you don’t have it, mix ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes. You can also use plain yogurt as a great alternative.
Nuts: Walnuts are my favorite for this bread, but pecans work too. If you want to keep it nut-free, feel free to skip them or add chocolate chips for a twist!
Why is Mixing the Batter Important?
Mixing the batter properly is essential for the perfect banana nut bread. You want to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by creaming butter and sugar well to create air pockets for a fluffy texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully mixed in before adding the next.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you can’t see any more flour. Small lumps are okay; they will bake out!
This gentle mixing helps keep your bread light and moist—exactly how banana bread should be!
How to Make Moist Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This moist banana nut bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, allow an additional 10 minutes to cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious bread in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This process adds air to the mix, which is important for a good rise.
4. Add Eggs:
Next, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after adding each egg so everything is nicely combined.
5. Mix in Bananas and Vanilla:
Now, stir in the mashed bananas and pure vanilla extract. This is what gives the bread its unique flavor and moistness!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add the flour mixture to the banana mix alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bread tender and soft.
7. Fold in the Nuts:
Gently fold in the toasted walnuts or pecans. This adds a delightful crunch to every bite!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula to make it even.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t forget to check it a few minutes before the time is up!
10. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice when ready and enjoy!
Enjoy a slice warm with butter or as is for a moist and flavorful treat!
FAQ for Moist Banana Nut Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas, just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They should be very soft, making them perfect for banana bread!
Can I Omit the Nuts?
Yes, you can skip the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version! You could also substitute in chocolate chips for a different flavor. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil before freezing. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and slice!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing ½ cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before using!
