Description
This moist banana bread recipe combines ripe bananas, toasted walnuts, and sweet raisins to create a tender and flavorful treat. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, the bread features a soft texture with a subtle hint of vanilla, making it a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Wet 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
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup walnuts, lightly roasted and coarsely chopped
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bread loaf pan approximately 9.25 inches long, 5.25 inches wide, and 2.75 inches deep to prevent sticking.
- Toast Walnuts: On a skillet over medium heat, lightly roast the walnuts while stirring continuously to avoid burning. Once toasted, coarsely chop them and set aside to cool.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy to ensure a light texture.
- Mash Bananas and Add Eggs: Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until chunky like applesauce. Add the mashed bananas and lightly beaten eggs to the creamed mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended to avoid overmixing and to keep the bread tender.
- Add Flavor and Mix-ins: Stir in the vanilla extract, toasted chopped walnuts, and raisins until evenly incorporated.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for optimal flavor and moisture.
- Lightly toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
