Banana Nut Bread

1 loaf servings Beginner
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Banana Nut Bread
Sweet, moist banana nut bread made with ripe bananas, butter, and toasted pecans. This rich quick bread makes one large loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

1 loaf servings
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup melted butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons half-and-half
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups mashed bananas
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a large loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside
  2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, and mashed bananas until well combined
  3. Add flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix
  4. Fold in chopped pecans
  5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan
  6. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
  7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my banana bread dry?

A: Make sure your bananas are very ripe (heavily spotted or black). Overmixing the batter can also make it tough and dry - mix just until the flour is incorporated.

Q: Can I use a different size pan?

A: This recipe makes one large loaf. If using two smaller loaf pans, reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Tips and Techniques

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots or even black peels for the best flavor and moisture. You can freeze overripe bananas in their peels and thaw them when you’re ready to bake.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • pecans: walnuts or chopped almonds
  • half-and-half: whole milk or buttermilk
  • butter: vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

  • Large loaf pan (9x5 inch)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wire rack for cooling