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Wholesome Classic Banana Bread with Walnuts

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A simple, honest banana bread recipe with toasted walnuts that yields a moist, tender crumb and a slightly crisp crust. Perfect for using up overripe bananas, this crowd-pleasing bread is easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups or 340g)
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup (60g) walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
  • Optional: ½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
  2. Toast the walnuts in a small, dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Pour onto a plate to cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with some small lumps remaining.
  4. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined—a few lumps are fine. Do not over-mix.
  7. Fold in the toasted walnuts (reserving a small handful for the top if desired) with a few strokes.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to release air bubbles. Sprinkle reserved walnuts on top if using.
  9. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil at the 40-minute mark.
  10. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then lift the bread out using the parchment handles and cool completely on the rack, about 1 hour, before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. Toast walnuts to enhance flavor and crunch. Let the bread cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts and better texture. The flavor improves overnight. To check baking soda freshness, drop a little into vinegar—it should fizz vigorously.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, walnut banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, classic banana bread, moist banana bread, overripe bananas, quick bread

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/wholesome-classic-banana-bread-with-walnuts-easy-homemade-recipe/