Are you craving a taste of home? Nothing quite evokes those warm, comforting feelings like a slice of freshly baked banana nut bread. This recipe, inspired by the legendary Betty Crocker, is a timeless classic, perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the results are unbelievably delicious. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this easy, healthy, and quick dinner alternative!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) 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:
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.
Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This prevents clumps and ensures even distribution in the batter.
Wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be achieved with a good amount of elbow grease! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Banana and nuts: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and nuts (if using). The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
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. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
Tips for Banana Nut Bread Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs will create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Brown spots are your friend!
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Chocolate chips, raisins, cranberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon are all delicious additions.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Nut Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Banana Bread: Add the zest of one lemon and ½ cup of poppy seeds to the batter.
- Gluten-Free Banana Nut Bread: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of extra liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 12-15g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Old Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious and easy recipe perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen and the satisfaction of creating a truly homemade treat. Share this recipe with your friends and family and let them experience the magic of this classic baked good!