Description
This Moist Banana Bread recipe yields a deliciously soft and flavorful loaf, perfect for using up ripe bananas. Enhanced with toasted walnuts and sweet raisins, this classic treat combines a tender crumb with rich, nutty undertones. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this banana bread is easy to make and guaranteed to please banana bread lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas (medium/large)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp) at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup walnuts, lightly roasted and coarsely chopped
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan measuring approximately 9.25 inches long, 5.25 inches wide, and 2.75 inches deep to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Toast Walnuts: Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Continuously stir them for a few minutes until they are lightly toasted, taking care not to burn them. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature, then coarsely chop.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This forms the base of your batter.
- Mash Bananas and Combine: Use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until they reach a chunky applesauce consistency. Add the mashed bananas and the lightly beaten eggs to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix gently until everything is blended evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Flavorings and Nuts: Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the chopped toasted walnuts and raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and soft.
- Feel free to substitute raisins with chocolate chips or other dried fruits.
- Storing the banana bread in an airtight container will keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
- The toasting of walnuts enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch without bitterness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread, moist banana bread, homemade banana bread, banana nut bread, walnut banana bread, easy banana bread, quick bread
