Cinnamon Spiced Banana Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful banana nut bread infused with warm cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or snack. Combines ripe bananas, walnuts, and wholesome flours for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour ⓘ
- 1 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 egg whites ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat pastry flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites, then add buttermilk, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla; mix well.
- Add mashed ripe bananas to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold until just combined.
- Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting half of the applesauce with Greek yogurt. If you want a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose and whole wheat flours.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Spiced Banana Nut Bread is delightful on its own but can be served with a spread of cream cheese or almond butter for added richness. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of Nana Bette's Carrot Cake for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast for a crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Spiced Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 382 calories, with 12g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 991mg per serving (43% 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 eggs instead of egg whites?
Yes, you can use whole eggs instead of egg whites. However, using whole eggs will add more fat and calories to the recipe. If you're aiming for a lower-fat option, stick to the egg whites as indicated.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done baking when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I add other nuts or mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts, or even add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the total volume of mix-ins to ensure that the batter remains balanced.
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).