Best Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins
Banana bread is a beloved classic that brings together the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and the satisfying crunch of walnuts.
Adding raisins to the mix adds a natural sweetness that complements the richness of the bread.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert, this banana bread recipe is sure to please anyone who tastes it.
It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for using up overripe bananas.
Ingredients
_3 ripe bananas, mashed
_2 eggs
_1/3 cup melted butter
_1 teaspoon vanilla extract
_1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
_1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
_1/2 cup chopped walnuts
_1/2 cup raisins
_1/2 cup sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the bananas)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the banana bread once baked.
This step ensures that the bread won’t stick to the pan during baking.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Make sure there are no large chunks left. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir it in thoroughly.
Next, beat the eggs into the banana mixture one at a time, ensuring they are well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients throughout the batter.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense loaf.
Once the batter is smooth, fold in the walnuts and raisins. These additions provide both texture and sweetness, making each slice of banana bread a delicious treat.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-65 minutes.
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This ensures that the bread retains its shape and doesn’t become too soggy.
How to Make
The process of making this banana bread is simple and straightforward, starting with the mashing of ripe bananas.
The key to great banana bread is using bananas that are as ripe as possible; they should be speckled with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Once the bananas are mashed, mix in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, and then fold in your dry ingredients.
The walnuts and raisins are the perfect additions, as they add texture and a touch of sweetness to the final product.
The key to a light and fluffy loaf is not overmixing the batter. Once the dry ingredients are added.
stir just until combined, as overworking the dough can lead to a denser texture. If you prefer your banana bread a little sweeter, you can always add extra sugar or even a touch of honey.
After the batter is ready, simply pour it into the loaf pan and bake at 350°F until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Tips
To get the best banana bread, ensure your bananas are very ripe. Overripe bananas, with plenty of brown spots, are packed.
with natural sugars and flavor, making them perfect for baking.
If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts. While walnuts add a classic crunch, you could substitute them with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Each type of nut brings its own flavor to the bread, allowing for variation every time you bake.
To make your banana bread even more moist, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
This addition helps keep the bread soft and gives it a slight tang that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the bananas.
If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
These spices bring warmth and depth to the banana bread, especially during colder months when you’re craving something cozy.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil. The bread will still turn out beautifully.
with a slightly different flavor profile. You can also use plant-based yogurt or milk to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
To make individual-sized banana breads, simply divide the batter into muffin tins. Bake at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
These smaller portions are perfect for sharing or freezing.
If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to leave them out or replace them with other dried fruits, like cranberries, dried apricots, or even dried cherries.
The combination of nuts and fruit gives the bread a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Conclusion
Banana bread with walnuts and raisins is a timeless recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for using up ripe bananas.
Whether you’re enjoying a slice in the morning with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread is the ultimate comfort food.
With a few simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and full of texture. Experiment with different mix-ins and enjoy the process of making this delicious treat that never fails to please!