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Best Ever Banana Nut Bread

Emma
This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful loaf packed with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, balanced by just the right hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 251 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Loaf pan
  • Whisk or Spoon
  • Spatula
  • Cooling Rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups mashed banana (about 3 large or 4 medium very ripe bananas)
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
 

Preparing the Batter

  • First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside. This ensures your bread comes out cleanly once baked.
  • In a medium bowl, I sift or whisk together the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the flavors and leavening agents throughout the bread.
  • In a separate large bowl, mash your very ripe bananas until smooth. Then whisk in the melted and cooled butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the butter adds richness.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix — just stir until you don’t see any more flour. Overmixing can make your bread tough instead of tender.
  • Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts evenly. These add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet banana base.

Baking the Banana Nut Bread

  • Carefully pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to scrape every last bit. Spread the batter evenly so it bakes uniformly.
  • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 50-minute mark.
  • To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is perfectly baked.
  • Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently unmold it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling fully helps the bread set and enhances its flavor and texture.
Keyword Best Ever Banana Nut Bread