Very Moist Banana Nut Bread
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe Yield: 2 loaves (24 servings)
Calories: 226.7 per serving
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review Count: 261
Description
This Very Moist Banana Nut Bread recipe is a cherished classic, originating from a community cookbook dated back to 1972. It’s renowned for its simplicity and incredible moistness, owing much to the use of ripe black bananas. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack, this bread is loved for its rich banana flavor and tender texture. It freezes exceptionally well, making it a handy treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or thoughtful gifts.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | cups sugar |
| 1/2 | teaspoon salt |
| 2 1/4 | cups all-purpose flour |
| 3/4 | cup vegetable oil |
| 3 | large eggs |
| 1 | teaspoon vanilla extract |
| 1 1/3 | cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4-5 medium bananas) |
| 1/4 | cup buttermilk* |
| 1 | teaspoon baking soda |
| 1 | cup chopped pecans |
*Note: If buttermilk is unavailable, you can make sour milk by adding 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly.
Instructions
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray two 9×5-inch loaf pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Prepare Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a potato masher or simply by hand. The bananas should be very ripe, preferably with dark skins for the best flavor and moisture.
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Prepare Buttermilk: In a separate container, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk. Use a larger container than you think necessary as it will foam up when mixed.
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Mix Batter: To the bowl with mashed bananas, add sugar, salt, flour, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and the buttermilk mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser texture.
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Add Nuts: Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out almost clean. A few moist crumbs sticking to the toothpick are fine; this ensures the bread remains moist.
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Cooling: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps the bread to set before transferring.
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Storage: Once cooled slightly, carefully remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, you can wrap them in foil, place them in freezer bags, and freeze for later enjoyment. This bread freezes exceptionally well and can be stored for several months.
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Serving: Serve slices of this Very Moist Banana Nut Bread plain, with a smear of butter or jelly, or alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a comforting, homemade treat.
Tips and Variations
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Banana Ripeness: Ensure your bananas are fully ripe with dark skins. This ensures they are at their sweetest and will impart maximum flavor and moisture to the bread.
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Storage: If freezing, slice the bread before freezing for easier thawing and serving of individual portions.
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Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or omit them entirely if preferred.
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Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a quick substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
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Moisture Level: Be mindful not to overbake the bread. A slightly underdone bread (where the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs) ensures a moist and tender texture. Overbaking can lead to a drier loaf.
This Very Moist Banana Nut Bread recipe is a testament to simple, time-tested baking techniques that yield exceptional results. Whether enjoyed freshly baked or from the freezer, it’s sure to delight with its rich banana flavor and comforting aroma. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a thoughtful gift, this recipe brings a taste of homemade goodness to any occasion.
