Moist Banana Bread Recipe

This Moist Banana Bread recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. Made with ripe bananas, walnuts, and raisins, this easy-to-make bread is soft, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. The addition of baking soda, vanilla extract, and a hint of salt gives it the perfect balance of flavor, while the use of unsalted butter ensures a rich, tender crumb. Whether you’re looking for a classic banana bread recipe or a gluten-free alternative, this banana bread is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, moist loaf that everyone will love! Perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 3 very ripe bananas (medium/large)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp), at room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• ½ cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a skillet, lightly roast the walnuts over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once roasted, chop them coarsely and let them cool to room temperature.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth. You can substitute honey for sugar if desired.
4. Mash the bananas with a fork until they reach the consistency of chunky applesauce, then add them to the butter mixture, along with the lightly beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just incorporated.
6. Add vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, and raisins to the batter, mixing until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Moist Banana Bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of walnuts and the chewiness of raisins. The result is a perfect loaf with a soft crumb and rich flavor, ideal for any time of the day. It’s easy to make, and the combination of simple ingredients guarantees great results every time!

Tips

• Bananas: For the best flavor and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe, with brown spots on the peel.
• Roast Walnuts: Roasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delicious crunch to your banana bread.
• Don’t Overmix: To prevent a dense loaf, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
• Testing for Doneness: Make sure to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. It should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or any nut of your choice.
• Dried Fruit: If you’re not a fan of raisins, try using dried cranberries, dates, or apricots instead.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Sugar Substitution: Swap granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

FAQs

Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes! Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different fat?
You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, but the texture may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the banana bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well and lightly flour it. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Serving

This banana bread is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a spread of cream cheese, butter, or even peanut butter for a satisfying treat. It’s also delicious with a cup of tea or coffee.

Suggestions

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra treat, fold in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter.
• Make it a Breakfast: Pair a slice of banana bread with a side of fresh fruit and yogurt for a hearty breakfast.