Introduction:
This Banana Bread with Toasted Walnuts and Raisins is a moist, flavorful treat that combines the richness of ripe bananas with the crunch of toasted walnuts and the sweetness of raisins.
The combination of these ingredients elevates the classic banana bread to a whole new level.
Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert, this banana bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup (75g) toasted walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup (75g) raisins
Optional:
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for extra warmth
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Toast the Walnuts:
Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Be sure to stir halfway through to avoid burning.
Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture if desired.
Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract.
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until smooth.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring just until combined.
Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in Walnuts and Raisins:
Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Banana Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Description:
This Banana Bread with Toasted Walnuts and Raisins is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic banana bread.
The ripe bananas contribute natural sweetness and moisture, while the toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch, and the raisins add little bursts of sweetness.
The combination of these ingredients makes this bread irresistibly delicious, whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or after a day or two. It also freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends and family.
Tips:
Ripe Bananas:
The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and texture of the bread.
Overripe bananas (with brown spots) are ideal for banana bread.
Don’t Overmix:
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined.
Overmixing can result in dense bread.
Toast the Walnuts:
Toasting walnuts brings out their flavor and adds extra depth to the bread.
Use Room Temperature Eggs:
This helps ensure that the batter mixes evenly and doesn’t curdle.
Add Extra Flavors:
Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to make it even more flavorful.
Variations:
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Substitute raisins with chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat.
Vegan Option:
Use a flax egg or chia egg instead of the regular eggs and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil.
Gluten-Free Option:
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum to provide structure.
Different Nuts:
You can swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference.
Spices:
Add a dash of cloves or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
Corrections/Notes:
Ingredient Substitution:
If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can increase the sugar slightly, but be cautious not to add too much, as the bananas themselves provide natural sweetness.
Baking Time:
Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark.
If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with foil to prevent burning while the bread finishes baking.
Enjoy!
Now that your Banana Bread with Toasted Walnuts and Raisins is ready, enjoy it fresh, warm, or at room temperature.
It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a quick breakfast on the go.
Enjoy every bite of this delicious, comforting treat!