Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delightful banana nut bread recipe! Using self-rising flour simplifies the process, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even spontaneous baking sessions. This recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy meals can be achieved with homemade cooking, offering a quick dinner idea or a satisfying afternoon snack. Get ready to enjoy the best recipes for banana bread, perfectly moist and bursting with nutty flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for extra warmth
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step a breeze, but you can certainly do it by hand!
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Incorporate Bananas & Flour: Gently fold in the mashed bananas. Gradually add the self-rising flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Nuts & Spice (Optional): Stir in your choice of chopped nuts and cinnamon (if using).
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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.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the banana nut bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Banana Nut Bread:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it.
- Storage: Store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and allspice along with the cinnamon.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a streusel topping (made with oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter) over the bread before baking for extra crunch.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per slice is:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
This easy banana nut bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious afternoon snack. Enjoy this quick dinner idea or satisfying treat! This recipe demonstrates the joy of homemade cooking, creating delicious dishes that are both satisfying and simple to prepare. It truly offers some of the best recipes around for a classic comfort food.