Description
Classic banana bread from Joy of Cooking brings comfort and nostalgia to kitchen counters. Rich with ripe bananas and warm spices, this timeless recipe delivers irresistible homemade goodness that wraps you in sweet, comforting memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) melted unsalted butter, cooled
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100 grams) walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan by generously coating the bottom and sides with butter, then dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- Spread walnuts or pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes until fragrant. Remove and allow to cool completely while maintaining oven temperature.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth, then incorporate beaten eggs, melted unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract, stirring until well blended.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture, using a rubber spatula and stirring just until no visible flour streaks remain to ensure a tender bread.
- Carefully fold the cooled, toasted nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly and creating a chunky texture throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface for consistent baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to allow initial cooling and prevent breaking when removing.
- Carefully invert the loaf onto a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely before slicing to maintain optimal texture and moisture.
Notes
- Unlock deep, nutty richness by gently toasting walnuts or pecans in a single layer, releasing their aromatic oils and intensifying their natural flavors.
- Warm your oven to the perfect 350°F (175°C) temperature before mixing ingredients, creating an ideal baking environment for golden, tender banana bread.
- Protect your delicious creation from sticking by generously coating the loaf pan with butter and a light dusting of flour, ensuring a smooth and effortless release after baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 436 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 194 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg