Banana Macadamia Nut (Or Walnut) Bread
Banana Macadamia Nut Bread offers a moist, flavorful treat with ripe bananas, crunchy macadamia nuts, and a hint of orange. Its rich, sweet aroma makes it perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a gift. The combination of tropical nuts and citrus peel creates a delightful, comforting loaf suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, softened butter, eggs, baking soda, salt, grated orange peel, and vanilla.
- Beat at low speed, scraping the bowl often, until well mixed, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add mashed bananas and orange juice, then continue beating, scraping the bowl often, until well mixed, about 1 minute.
- By hand, stir in flaked coconut and nuts.
- Spread the batter into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or three greased mini loaf pans.
- Bake the 9 x 5-inch loaf for 60 to 65 minutes or mini loaves for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you're out of macadamia nuts, walnuts or pecans work wonderfully as substitutes. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and texture in the bread. You can also add a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth. This recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful banana macadamia nut bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a tangy yogurt shake or a cup of coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You can also top slices with cream cheese or butter for added richness. Consider serving it alongside Nell Hughes' Sour Cream Coffee Cake for a lovely brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it, then toast the slices directly from frozen for a quick treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Macadamia Nut (Or Walnut) Bread contains roughly 487 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1087mg per serving (47% 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 make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Additionally, check that your baking soda is gluten-free to keep the recipe entirely gluten-free.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it starts to brown too much on top, you can tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful that adding extra ingredients may slightly affect the baking time, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
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).