The Best Banana Nut Bread Recipe
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Banana Nut Bread that is moist, deliciously sweet and hearty. A 4-H Blue Ribbon recipe!
I didn’t grow up with much food variety because my parents are picky eaters and my mom has the most sensitive stomach of anyone I know. So in other words I guess my siblings and I were food deprived. We never had fish, seafood, chinese…the list goes on. My mom had 20 (give or take) meals that she would make over and over again. Now mind you, she has mastered them beyond belief. Although we didn’t have a wide range of variety, the food was always sooo good! Most of these recipes were from what her older sister had made.
One recipe that usually graced our countertops growing up was Banana Nut Bread. My sister even used this recipe to enter a baking contest in 4-H when we were in elementary school…and she won 1st prize (but then again, who doesn’t win prize in 4-H?? –I won 1st prize for the dress my mom I made). 🙂
So when we were “home” a few weeks ago it was only natural to make a batch of mom’s Banana Nut Bread! Let me teach you how to make the best banana nut bread yourself!
Best Type of Bananas for Banana Bread
The best bananas for banana bread are mushy, overripe bananas that look like they are slightly rotten. They are speckled with black and brown marks. The darker the peel of the banana, the more sweet they will be.
Banana Nut Bread Ingredients
- all-purpose flour – I prefer to use unbleached all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking soda
- double acting baking soda – double acting is best for baking
- salt – I use iodized all purpose table salt when baking banana bread for the best flavor
- margarine – my mom always used Imperial stick margarine, you can opt for regular salted or unsalted sweet cream butter if you like, but the flavor may be slightly different
- eggs – the more fresh the better!
- ripe bananas – over-ripe bananas that are speckled with black and brown marks
- chopped walnuts – save time chopping the walnuts by buying already chopped ones
How To Make Banana Nut Bread Step-by-Step
Step 1: Combine dry ingredients
Step 2: Cut in butter (with a pastry blender)
Step 3: Add nuts
Step 4: Combine bananas and eggs
Step 5: Grease pans
Step 6: Fill pans half way
Step 7: Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes
Step 8: Remove from pan and cool on wired rack
FAQ
How long does it take to bake banana nut bread?
Depending on the type of pan you are using to bake your banana nut bread in, the time will vary. However, typically speaking, a small loaf of banana bread baked in a 350°F oven will take around 40 minutes. Always check the center of your bread with a toothpick or a knife to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly before removing it from the oven.
Can banana nut bread be made without nuts?
Yes, banana bread can be made without the nuts.
What other ingredients can you add to banana bread?
- chocolate chips
- walnuts or pecans
- dried fruits; cranberries, cherries, raisins
The Best Banana Nut Bread Recipe
I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
Banana Nut Bread – My Mom’s Recipe
Equipment
- bread pan
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 c all-purpose flour
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder double acting
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 stick margarine
- 2 eggs
- 1 c bananas ripened and spotted brown, typically 3 bananas
- 1 c walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F
- In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients together and mix well
- Add margarine. Using a pastry cutter, cut softened stick of margarine into flour mixture until it is mealy
- Add chopped nuts to dry ingredients. Mix well by hand
- In a small bowl, mash bananas with fork. Set aside
- In another small bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer
- Add bananas to eggs and stir by hand
- Add egg and banana mixture to dry ingredients. Mix well by hand
- Fill sprayed Three Bean Salad Cans ½ full (my mom always used old bean cans that had a lining in them. If you don’t have that, just use small bread loaf pans)
- Bake at 350° F for 40 minutes
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More Delicious Quick Breads with NO Yeast!
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How could you give away Mom’s banana nut bread recipe! It’s a family secret!!