Banana Nut Bread I
A moist, flavorful banana nut bread with a hint of whole wheat, perfect for breakfast or snack, combining sweet bananas, crunchy nuts, and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, vegetable oil, lightly beaten egg, and mashed banana.
- In a separate bowl, mix together unbleached flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- Serve with butter, softened cream cheese, or peanut butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. If you don’t have unbleached flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour. To make the bread even more nutritious, try adding flaxseeds or chia seeds. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar to 1 cup. This Banana Nut Bread recipe can be easily adapted to include chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Banana Nut Bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving slices with butter, softened cream cheese, or peanut butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt. Explore more American recipes to complement your brunch menu.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled banana nut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice the bread and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or toast it until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Nut Bread I contains roughly 702 calories, with 16g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2069mg per serving (90% 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 in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas actually provide more moisture and sweetness, enhancing the flavor of your banana nut bread.
What nuts are best for banana nut bread?
Walnuts are the classic choice for banana nut bread, but you can also use pecans or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch, so choose your favorite or a mix for added texture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make your banana nut bread healthier, consider substituting half of the sugar with applesauce or honey. You can also use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Adding oats or seeds can boost the nutritional value without compromising taste.
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).