Sliced banana nut bread showcasing nuts and ripe bananas in a baked loaf.

Nana’s Secret Banana Nut Bread

BySavannah Brooks
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Why Make This Recipe

Banana nut bread is a classic favorite, and Nana’s Secret Banana Nut Bread takes it to another level. It’s moist, easy to prepare, and filled with delicious flavors of ripe bananas and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just craving a warm slice of comfort, this recipe is a great choice. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

How to Make Nana’s Secret Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
  3. Mix in the baking soda and a pinch of salt.
  4. Stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
  5. Gradually mix in the flour just until it’s incorporated.
  6. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Nana’s Secret Banana Nut Bread

Enjoy this banana nut bread warm or at room temperature. You can serve it plain or spread some butter on top for added richness. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat!

How to Store Nana’s Secret Banana Nut Bread

To store the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it well in plastic followed by foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Tips to Make Nana’s Secret Banana Nut Bread

  1. Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
  2. Don’t overmix the batter when adding the flour; it helps keep the bread tender.
  3. If you like a stronger nut flavor, you can toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them.

Variation

Feel free to swap out the nuts for chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, or try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Q: What if I don’t have walnuts or pecans?
A: You can use any type of nut you prefer, or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

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Nana’s Secret Banana Nut Bread

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A moist and flavorful banana nut bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
  3. Mix in the baking soda and a pinch of salt.
  4. Stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
  5. Gradually mix in the flour just until it’s incorporated.
  6. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, use very ripe bananas and avoid overmixing the batter. Swap out nuts for chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Hi, I’m Savannah Brooks, 35 years old, born in Charleston, South Carolina, and now living in Seattle, Washington. My kitchen is small but full of life shelves stacked with spices from all over the world, a sourdough starter that feels like part of the family, and usually a pot bubbling away with something hearty and comforting.

Food has always been the center of my world. Growing up in Charleston, I was surrounded by Southern cooking shrimp and grits, okra stews, biscuits that could melt in your mouth. My grandmother was the first person who showed me that recipes are more than instructions they’re stories passed from one hand to another. I still keep her stained recipe cards in a box, though I’ve long since memorized every one.

My path wasn’t traditional. I studied journalism first, thinking I’d write stories for a living. And I do but now I write them on the plate. After years of working late nights in small cafés, catering weddings, and even running a food truck, I found my true rhythm in cooking that bridges my Southern roots with global inspiration. These days, you’ll find me folding lemongrass into chicken soup, adding harissa to cornbread batter, or topping fried green tomatoes with a touch of miso.

I don’t believe cooking is about perfection it’s about connection. My kitchen is a place for experiments, happy accidents, and plenty of laughter. I’ve burned cookies, curdled sauces, and dropped more than one cake. But every mistake taught me something, and every shared meal reminded me why I love this work.

I cook for people who want food that feels like home but isn’t afraid to wander a little. My hope is that when someone takes a bite of my food, they feel cared for, seen, and maybe a little inspired to try something new in their own kitchen.

So, welcome to my world where Southern comfort meets global curiosity, and every dish tells a story.

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