Introduction
Banana bread is a timeless, comforting treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a soft, moist crumb. This version takes the classic recipe up a notch with toasted walnuts and raisins, adding delightful texture and flavor. The walnuts give a satisfying crunch, while the raisins introduce a touch of chewiness and extra sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (60g) toasted walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup (75g) raisins
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Toast the Walnuts: Place the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Remove them from the oven and let them cool before chopping.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth with a few lumps remaining.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
Add Walnuts and Raisins: Gently fold the toasted walnuts and raisins into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description
This Banana Bread with Toasted Walnuts and Raisins is a deliciously rich and moist loaf packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The toasted walnuts bring a lovely nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas, while the raisins add a pop of sweetness in every bite. The addition of cinnamon and vanilla rounds out the flavor profile, making this banana bread a perfectly balanced treat. It’s the ideal comfort food for a cozy morning or a midday snack.
Tips
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas, with brown spots, are perfect for this recipe.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread.
Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor, making them more aromatic and crunchy. Be sure to keep an eye on them while toasting to prevent burning.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can reduce the sugar or increase it. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
Variations
Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Coconut: Stir in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor.
Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex spice profile.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use a plant-based butter substitute.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
Correction
Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so if the banana bread is not fully set after the initial baking time, cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Always use a toothpick to check doneness – if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Enjoy!
Once your banana bread has cooled, slice it up and enjoy a deliciously warm piece with a cup of coffee or tea. The added toasted walnuts and raisins make it a special treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for sharing or enjoying by yourself!