Are you ready to transform those overripe bananas into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your recipe? Our Spiced Banana Nut Bread is not just another boring quick bread – it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet, comforting essence of ripe bananas with the warm, aromatic touch of cinnamon and the rich crunch of walnuts. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will elevate your baking game and become an instant family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until they become smooth and creamy with minimal lumps.
- Add softened butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Crack the egg into the banana mixture and stir in vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Gently fold in chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally with a spread of butter or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Banana Selection Matters: Use truly ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and a more consistent texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is crucial. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center.
- Cooling is Key: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and ensure perfect texture.
- Storage Hack: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or swap walnuts for pecans to customize your bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
