Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this fantastic banana and pecan bread recipe! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking adventures, or any time you need a dose of homemade goodness. It's a delightful blend of sweet bananas, crunchy pecans, and a hint of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Get ready to enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of this easy recipe, a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily and prevents sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even distribution of spices throughout your delicious bread.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, leading to a lighter and fluffier bread texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Bring it Together:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
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Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped pecans. The pecans add delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas perfectly.
Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bread during the last 10 minutes; ovens can vary, so adjust baking time as needed.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and allows it to firm up nicely.
Cooking Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas are perfect!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the pecans.
- Walnut Banana Bread: Substitute walnuts for pecans.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This banana and pecan bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a delicious dish, easy to make, and perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. Enjoy this delightful homemade treat!