Southern Banana Nut Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Southern Banana Nut Bread is a beloved treat that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. It’s easy to make and perfect for using up overripe bananas. This recipe is not only delicious, but it fills your home with a wonderful aroma as it bakes. With its sweet bananas, crunchy nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

How to Make Southern Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
4. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in.
6. Add the flour and mix until just incorporated.
7. Fold in the chopped nuts and cinnamon.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Southern Banana Nut Bread

Southern Banana Nut Bread is delightful on its own. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. To make it extra special, spread a little butter on top or enjoy it with a drizzle of honey. It pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a fabulous addition to breakfast or afternoon snacks.

How to Store Southern Banana Nut Bread

To keep your Southern Banana Nut Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months.

Tips to Make Southern Banana Nut Bread

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter; just mix until the flour is incorporated to keep the bread tender.
• Feel free to add chocolate chips or other nuts for a twist.

Variation

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add spices like nutmeg or swap out nuts for dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.

Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or different nuts for added flavor and texture.

Southern Banana Nut Bread

A beloved treat made with ripe bananas, crunchy nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snacks

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas Use very ripe bananas for best flavor
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour blend
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) Feel free to add other nuts or chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
4. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in.
6. Add the flour and mix until just incorporated.
7. Fold in the chopped nuts and cinnamon.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Baking

1. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

To serve, spread a little butter on top or enjoy with a drizzle of honey. Pairs well with coffee or tea. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Don't overmix the batter to keep the bread tender. Other variations include using dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.