Banana Walnut Bread
Banana Walnut Bread offers a moist, flavorful treat with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of walnuts. Its tender crumb makes it perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Rich in flavor and texture, it appeals to banana lovers and bread enthusiasts alike, suited for casual gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening in a mixing bowl.
- Add the sugar and beat until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter evenly into two greased loaf pans.
- Top each loaf with nut halves for garnish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool before removing from pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts make great alternatives. Ensure your bananas are overripe for the best sweetness. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile, and you can experiment by incorporating chocolate chips for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of banana walnut bread warm or at room temperature, optionally spread with butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful breakfast, enjoy it alongside a bowl of yogurt and fresh fruit. This bread also makes a perfect snack or dessert option.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the banana walnut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or toast it lightly for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Walnut Bread contains roughly 1680 calories, with 6g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% 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 whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for white flour, but the texture may be denser. For best results, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness while adding nutritional value.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
The banana bread is done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted to different pan sizes. If using mini loaf pans, adjust the baking time to about 30-40 minutes. For a bundt pan, bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
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).