Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite? Dive into the delightful world of Maple Walnut Banana Bread, where the sweet aroma of ripe bananas meets the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts and the warm embrace of maple syrup. This recipe is not just about making bread; it’s about creating a cozy moment that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a heavenly 60 minutes in the oven, you’ll be savoring a slice of pure bliss in no time. So grab those ripe bananas and let’s get baking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas using a fork or a potato masher until smooth. Ensure there are no large lumps remaining, as this will help create a uniform texture in the bread.
- Add the 1/3 cup of melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well until fully combined. The warmth of the butter will help to incorporate the bananas smoothly.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt into the banana and butter mixture. This will help the bread rise and enhance the flavor.
- Add 3/4 cup of sugar to the mixture and mix until well combined. You can adjust the sweetness according to your taste, but this amount will give a nice balance.
- Beat 1 large egg in a separate bowl, then add it to the banana mixture along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Make sure the walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- 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.
- Slice and serve your delicious Maple Walnut Banana Bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain, or spread with a little butter or cream cheese for an extra treat!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so be gentle!
- Customize Your Nuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, feel free to substitute them with pecans or leave them out altogether for a nut-free version.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread around the 50-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.
- Storage Tips: Keep your Maple Walnut Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for a quick treat later!
- Serve It Right: This bread is delicious on its own, but try it warm with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese for an indulgent experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
