Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this fantastic banana nut bread recipe! Made with self-rising flour, this recipe simplifies the baking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights or beginner bakers. Get ready to enjoy the irresistible aroma of baking banana bread filling your kitchen – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade banana nut bread, a classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, enhances rise if using older self-rising flour)
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your banana bread releases easily.
-
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a lighter texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just fine too!
-
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
-
Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and baking soda (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay.
-
Fold in Bananas & Nuts: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped nuts. Again, avoid overmixing to prevent a tough bread.
-
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.
-
Cool & Serve: Let the banana nut bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Banana Nut Bread:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, 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!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature ingredients helps them blend better and bake evenly.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Nut Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced twist.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the ingredients used. Nutritional information is best obtained using a nutrition calculator that accounts for your specific ingredients and serving size.
This easy banana nut bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. It's a versatile recipe you can adapt to your own preferences, making it a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness!