Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for Banana Nut Bread, inspired by the legendary Betty Crocker, will become your new go-to for homemade baking. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert. This recipe is a staple for quick dinner ideas and is guaranteed to impress everyone, from beginner bakers to seasoned pros. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate in homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily and has a beautiful, even rise.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly textured loaf.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine
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 loaf.
Step 5: Bananas & Nuts
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and nuts (if using). The beauty of this recipe is that it's simple yet delicious.
Step 6: Bake
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.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve! This delicious banana nut bread is perfect on its own, with a smear of butter, or even paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for the Best Banana Nut Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Banana Nut Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a streusel topping (made with flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats) over the batter before baking for extra crunch.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Fiber: 2-3g
This easy recipe for banana nut bread is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes. Enjoy this classic treat, perfect for any occasion! It's a testament to the enduring power of simple, homemade cooking. This recipe is sure to become one of your best recipes!