Description
This Moist Banana Bread recipe yields a deliciously tender and flavorful loaf, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe bananas, toasted walnuts, and raisins, it combines a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, enhanced by the warmth of vanilla and a hint of salt. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this classic banana bread is sure to be a favorite in your home baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas (medium/large)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp), at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bread loaf pan measuring 9.25 inches long x 5.25 inches wide x 2.75 inches deep to ensure the bread does not stick.
- Toast Walnuts: Lightly roast the walnuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Once toasted, coarsely chop the walnuts and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons of softened butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and sweet base.
- Mix Bananas and Eggs: Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they reach a chunky applesauce consistency. Add the mashed bananas and lightly beaten eggs into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasonings.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently just to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Flavorings and Mix-ins: Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, cooled toasted walnuts, and raisins evenly into the batter.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using very ripe bananas is essential for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Lightly toasting walnuts enhances their nutty aroma and crunch.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
- You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries if desired.
- Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10 of the loaf)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
