Banana Bread with Walnuts Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Bake

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of banana bread baking in the oven. It evokes feelings of warmth, home, and simple pleasures. This isn’t just any banana bread recipe; this is *the* banana bread recipe – moist, flavorful, and studded with the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to transform those overripe bananas into a loaf of pure deliciousness!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, we’re using a generous amount of ripe bananas – the riper, the better! Ripe bananas lend incredible moisture and natural sweetness to the bread. Second, the addition of melted butter ensures a tender crumb and rich flavor. Instead of creaming butter and sugar, which can sometimes lead to a tougher bread, melted butter creates a more relaxed batter. Finally, toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter intensifies their nutty flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy during baking. The result is a perfectly balanced banana bread with a delightful texture and unforgettable taste.

Ingredients

• 3-4 very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
• 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Toast the Walnuts: Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small chunks are fine.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir to combine. Then, add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread.
7. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the toasted walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
10. Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use Ripe Bananas: This is the most crucial step! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy during baking.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon and level method to measure your flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in too much flour in the recipe.
• Check for Doneness: Start checking the banana bread for doneness around 50 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Let it Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing. This will prevent it from crumbling.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgence, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the walnuts.
• Spice it Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage Instructions

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
• Can I substitute the walnuts? Yes, you can substitute other nuts, such as pecans or almonds. You can also omit the nuts altogether.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Why is my banana bread dry? Overbaking is the most common cause of dry banana bread. Also, using too much flour or not enough bananas can contribute to dryness.
• Why is my banana bread gummy? Underbaking can result in gummy banana bread. Make sure to bake it until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Can I add a glaze? Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese glaze would be delicious on this banana bread.

Conclusion

This banana bread with walnuts recipe is a classic for a reason. Its simplicity, combined with its incredible flavor and comforting aroma, makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to please. So, gather your ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of pure happiness. Enjoy!