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 using cake mix is your answer. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking times; this quick bread comes together in minutes and delivers on flavor every single time. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth craving. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – simple, delicious, and impressive.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your banana nut bread releases easily from the pan.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of oil remaining.
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Add Bananas and Cake Mix: Add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Then, gradually add the cake mix, mixing until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
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Stir in Nuts & Cinnamon: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and cinnamon (if using). Again, avoid overmixing.
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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. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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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. Once cooled, slice and enjoy! This bread is wonderful served warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea.
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 lots of 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, so it's important to ensure it's fully baked.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins, such as chocolate chips, raisins, or different types of nuts.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts.
- Spiced Banana Nut Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of allspice along with the cinnamon.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free cake mix for the yellow cake mix.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: Around 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 35-40g
- Protein: Around 3-4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy banana nut bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Enjoy this delicious dish!