Description
This moist banana bread recipe is a classic, easy-to-make treat featuring ripe bananas, toasted walnuts, and raisins for added texture and flavor. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a comforting dessert with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 3 very ripe medium/large bananas
- 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
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bread loaf pan measuring approximately 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 inches to prevent sticking.
- Toast Walnuts: Lightly roast the walnuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Once toasted, coarsely chop them and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Mash Bananas and Combine: Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until you reach a chunky applesauce consistency. Add the mashed bananas and the lightly beaten eggs into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well blended.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Dry with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet banana batter. Stir gently to combine without overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Flavor and Extras: Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped toasted walnuts, and raisins evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Lightly toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of loaf)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
