Banana-Walnut Scones
Delicious banana-walnut scones offer a tender, sweet treat with nutty crunch, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to fruit lovers and baked good enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chilled margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 large egg or 2 large egg whites ⓘ
- 1 cup mashed, ripe banana ⓘ
- Cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/3 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in the chilled margarine or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg or egg whites.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times.
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into wedges or use a biscuit cutter to form individual scones.
- Place scones on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter scone, consider using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. If you don't have buttermilk, regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure the butter is very cold for that perfect crumbly texture. Enjoy with a spread of butter or jam for a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
These Banana-Walnut Scones are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Serve them warm with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a wholesome meal. They also pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a delightful brunch, consider serving alongside Clusters or a fresh fruit salad to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana-Walnut Scones contains roughly 381 calories, with 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1905mg per serving (83% 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 thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing. This will help achieve the right consistency in your scones, ensuring they're moist and flavorful.
How can I make these scones healthier?
To make these scones healthier, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar or substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
Can I add other ingredients to the scones?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your scones by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even spices such as cinnamon or cardamom. These variations can enhance the flavor and make your scones unique.
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).