Are you ready to elevate your banana bread game to a whole new level? Say hello to "Jacked Up Banana Bread," a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of walnuts, creating a mouthwatering treat that's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With just a little prep time and simple ingredients, you'll be on your way to baking a loaf that will impress family and friends alike. Don't miss out on this delightful twist on a classic favorite—read on to discover how to make your very own Jacked Up Banana Bread!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Aim for a creamy consistency with only a few small lumps remaining.
- In another bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread 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.
- Slice the Jacked Up Banana Bread once it has cooled, and enjoy it plain or with butter, as desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an added depth of flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or different nuts to customize your banana bread to your liking.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when it’s ready.
- Cool Properly: Allow your banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Storage Tips: To keep your banana bread fresh, store it 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 slices for a quick treat later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
