This Easy Banana Nut Bread is super moist and fluffy—perfect for breakfast or a snack! With ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, it brings a touch of sweetness and crunch in every bite.
I love that this recipe is simple; just mash the bananas, mix the ingredients, and bake! It’s a great way to make your kitchen smell amazing and enjoy some tasty slices!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key! The more brown spots, the sweeter they are. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter, but watch for texture changes in the final loaf.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and tang. If you want a lighter alternative, use applesauce. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Nuts: Walnuts are traditional, but feel free to substitute with pecans or even omit them for a nut-free version. If allergies are a concern, dairy-free chocolate chips or seeds work well!
How Can I Ensure My Banana Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
To create a perfectly moist and fluffy banana bread, focus on mixing the ingredients correctly. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, making the bread rise beautifully.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mix just until you no longer see dry flour to keep it light.
- Make sure to fold in chopped nuts gently to avoid toughening the batter.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter; this helps achieve a smoother batter that combines more easily.
Following these tips will help you bake a banana nut bread that’s irresistibly fluffy and delicious!
Easy Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and approximately 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Overall, it’s simple and doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, prepare your loaf pan by greasing it with butter or spraying it with cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together so they’re evenly mixed—this ensures your bread will rise nicely.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for incorporating air into your bread for a fluffy texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, giving it a good mix to combine everything smoothly.
5. Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream:
Mix the mashed bananas and sour cream (or yogurt) into the butter mixture until everything is well combined. The bananas add moisture and flavor!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it light and fluffy.
7. Fold in the Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
8. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean!
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Your banana nut bread is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delicious snack, breakfast, or dessert.
Enjoy your moist, fluffy banana nut bread!
FAQ about Easy Banana Nut Bread
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread as they are sweeter and mash easily. Look for bananas with a lot of brown spots for the best flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana for each egg. This will help maintain the moisture and texture of the bread.
How To Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Yes! Feel free to customize your banana nut bread with mix-ins. Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes can add a delightful twist. Just make sure not to add too many extras, as it can change the bread’s consistency.
