Simple & Sweet: Paula Deen Banana Nut Bread Recipe for Beginners

Banana nut bread stands as a classic comfort food that warms hearts and delights taste buds with its rich, moist texture.

Soft and fragrant, this Paula Deen’s beloved treat transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

Home bakers love how simple ingredients can create such a spectacular result.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of sweet banana flavor and crunchy nutty goodness.

The recipe offers a reliable method for turning overripe bananas into a delectable baked delight.

Families and friends gather around this nostalgic bread, sharing moments of pure culinary joy.

Prepare to elevate your baking skills and create a memorable dish that everyone will love:

Why Paula Deen’s Banana Nut Bread Recipe Will Wow You

• Savor Comforting Homemade Goodness: This banana nut bread delivers pure, warm comfort straight from your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Enjoy Versatile Snacking Potential: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or a quick grab-and-go treat that satisfies sweet cravings without complicated preparation.
• Experience Texture-Rich Delightful Bites: Combines soft, moist banana-infused bread with crunchy walnut pieces, creating a delectable contrast that makes every slice interesting and satisfying.
• Master Quick and Easy Baking: Requires basic ingredients, simple mixing technique, and straightforward baking process that even novice bakers can confidently execute within an hour.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Banana Nut Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: A crucial base that provides structure and texture to the banana bread.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender, providing a soft texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, subtle flavor that complements the bananas.

• Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moisture.
• Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bread.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Banana Nut Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F. Grease 2 loaf pans (8×4 inches) with butter or cooking spray, making sure to coat every nook and cranny.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Mix

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set the dry ingredients aside for later.

Step 3: Create Wet Base

• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Banana Magic

Mash 3 ripe bananas and stir them into the wet mixture until just blended. The bananas should create a creamy, chunky texture.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is just incorporated – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Add Crunch

Fold in of chopped walnuts using a rubber spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a thin knife into the center – it should come out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Slice, serve, and savor your homemade banana nut bread!

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Nut Bread

• Prevent Bread from Crumbling: Let the banana nut bread cool completely before slicing to help it hold together and develop a better texture.
• Enhance Moisture Retention: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent drying out.
• Customize Nut Selection: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to add unique flavor and crunch to your bread.
• Check Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when fully baked.
• Transform Leftovers Creatively: Slice day-old bread and toast it lightly, then spread with butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast treat.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Banana Nut Bread

• Countertop Storage: Seal the banana nut bread in a food-safe container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it at room temperature for maximum flavor preservation. Fresh slices remain deliciously moist for 2-3 days when protected from air exposure.
• Freezer Preservation: Slice the bread into individual portions before wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing inside a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Freeze up to 4 months, ensuring easy grab-and-go servings without compromising taste or texture.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap the bread in parchment paper first, then aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent condensation. Store in the refrigerator's coolest section for extended freshness, consuming within 5-7 days for optimal taste quality.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Banana Nut Bread

• Chocolate Chip Banana Walnut Bread: Enhance the classic recipe by adding 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter, creating a rich and indulgent version that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the nutty crunch of walnuts.
• Tropical Banana Coconut Bread: Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle additional coconut on top before baking, transforming the bread into a tropical-inspired treat with added texture and flavor.
• Spiced Banana Nut Bread: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients, infusing the bread with warm, aromatic spices that complement the banana and walnut flavors.
• Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to ensure proper texture and binding, making the bread accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Banana Nut Bread

Southern comfort wraps around kitchen memories like warm banana bread hugging hungry hearts.

Paula Deen’s legendary recipe whispers stories of family gatherings and sweet morning traditions.

Nutty walnuts dance through moist banana layers, creating delectable comfort straight from Paula’s kitchen.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients blend into extraordinary experiences.

Home bakers can master this classic Southern treat with straightforward techniques and pure passion.

Slice, share, savor – and let readers know their culinary adventure matters by dropping comments, spreading love through social shares, and celebrating homemade happiness.

Paula Deen Banana Nut Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Banana Nut Bread brings Southern comfort to your kitchen with its rich, moist texture and classic flavor. Loaded with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, this homestyle bread delivers warmth and nostalgia in every delectable slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1⅓ cups or 303 grams)
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs

Sweeteners and Oils:

• 1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (99 g) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• Pinch salt
• 1 cup (113 g) coarsely chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coating two 8×4-inch (20×10 cm) loaf pans with a light layer of grease.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine granulated sugar, vegetable oil, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract using a whisk until the mixture appears smooth and well-integrated.
4. Incorporate ripe, thoroughly mashed bananas into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana-based wet ingredients, using gentle sweeping motions to ensure complete integration without overmixing.
6. Delicately introduce chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly with a soft spatula to maintain the batter’s light texture.
7. Distribute the banana walnut batter equally between the prepared loaf pans, ensuring smooth surface and consistent volume.
8. Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, monitoring the surface color and inserting a thin knife into the center to check for complete cooking.
9. If the bread’s surface begins to darken too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
10. Remove from oven and allow loaves to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

• Catch the Perfect Ripeness: Grab bananas with deep brown spots, they’ll bring out maximum sweetness and make mashing a breeze.
• Precision Matters for Flour: Gently scoop flour into measuring cups, then level with a knife to avoid dense, heavy bread.
• Gentle Mixing is Key: Stir ingredients until just combined, stopping before the batter becomes tough or loses its tender texture.
• Prevent Sticky Situations: Create a smooth release by thoroughly greasing your pan or laying down parchment paper.
• Protect Your Crust: When the top browns too quickly, shield the loaf with foil to ensure even baking throughout.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4.3g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg