Banana Bread(Quick Bread - Lite Recipe)
A moist, flavorful banana bread with walnuts, combining whole wheat and all-purpose flours. Perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to health-conscious and banana lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place walnuts on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350°F gas oven for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Combine buttermilk and baking soda; set aside.
- Combine sugar and canola oil; mix well.
- Stir in mashed bananas.
- Combine all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour; add alternately with beaten egg whites to the banana mixture.
- Add the buttermilk and soda mixture; stir just until blended.
- Fold in the toasted walnuts.
- Pour the batter into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan coated with nonstick vegetable cooking spray.
- Bake in a 350°F gas oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and cool on a rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter banana bread, you can substitute half of the sugar with applesauce or use honey instead of granulated sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, mix a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with milk to create a substitute. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor. To enhance the nutty flavor, try toasting the walnuts a bit longer if you prefer a crunchier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a spread of almond butter or cream cheese. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. It also makes a great base for French toast; just dip slices in an egg mixture and cook until golden. It pairs beautifully with Baked Bean And Wiener Soup for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Bread(Quick Bread - Lite Recipe) contains roughly 199 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well for banana bread. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. The flavor will still be delicious, and they will add moisture to your bread.
How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, it’s done. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. Just be mindful of the additional moisture or sweetness they might add to the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).