Whole Wheat Banana Nut Bread
Whole wheat banana nut bread offers moist, flavorful slices with ripe banana and crunchy pecans, perfect for breakfast or teatime, appealing to health-conscious and banana lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and brown sugar together.
- Add the egg and mix well.
- Sift together the whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour, baking soda, and seasoned salt.
- Combine mashed bananas with buttermilk or yogurt, stirring just to mix.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and banana mixture to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove to a cooling rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add a bit more brown sugar or incorporate chocolate chips. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture. You can also experiment with other nuts like walnuts if pecans aren’t available. This recipe is a great base for variations, similar to Raisin Brown Bread.
Serving Suggestions
This banana nut bread is delicious on its own but can be elevated with a smear of butter or cream cheese. Serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. It also pairs beautifully with U Love It Pudding for a comforting dessert combination.
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 15-20 seconds or toast in a toaster oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole Wheat Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 533 calories, with 9g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1576mg per serving (69% 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 other types of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for the whole wheat flour if desired, though it may alter the texture and flavor. For a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check the ratios as they may differ from standard flours.
How can I tell when the banana nut bread is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
Can I add other ingredients to this banana nut bread?
Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. Just be mindful of the overall moisture content, and adjust baking time if necessary to ensure even cooking.
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).