Banana Nut Bread ๐๐ฅ
Overview:
A timeless classic, this Banana Nut Bread recipe has been passed down through generations, loved by all who have tasted its moist, flavorful goodness. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast treat, a delightful afternoon snack, or a heartfelt gift during the holiday season. Packed with the sweet essence of ripe bananas and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, it’s a quick bread that never fails to impress.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Ripe Bananas |
| 2 tbsp | Lemon Juice |
| 2/3 cup | Butter, softened |
| 1 1/3 cups | Sugar |
| 4 | Eggs |
| 3 1/2 cups | All-Purpose Flour |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Baking Powder |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 cup | Chopped Walnuts |
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Prepare 2 loaf pans by greasing them lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
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Prepare Bananas: In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
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Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy.
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Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the butter, beating continuously until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step ensures a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
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Blend in Bananas: Pour in the mashed bananas into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the bananas are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients and ensures a lighter texture in the final bread.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until the flour disappears, being careful not to overmix.
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Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for an even finish. Place the pans in the preheated oven.
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Baking Time: Bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.
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Cooling and Serving: Once baked, remove the banana nut bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the bread into thick, generous slices and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this moist and flavorful Banana Nut Bread with a spread of butter, a dollop of cream cheese, or simply on its own for a delightful treat!
Tips and Variations:
- Ripe Bananas: Use bananas that are fully ripe with brown speckles on the skin. They are sweeter and easier to mash, lending a rich banana flavor to the bread.
- Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Additions: Enhance the bread with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for warm, cozy flavors.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
This Banana Nut Bread recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a quiet morning with a cup of coffee. With its tender crumb, sweet banana aroma, and crunchy walnuts, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade goodness with each delicious slice! ๐๐ฅ
