Banana Pecan Delight Bread
Indulge in this wholesome and delicious Banana Pecan Delight Bread, a lighter version of the classic banana bread that's moist and flavorful. By reducing the sugar content and using applesauce instead of oil, this recipe achieves a perfect balance without sacrificing taste. The subtle hint of cinnamon complements the sweetness of ripe bananas, while chopped pecans add a pleasant crunch. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a snack, this comforting bread is a delightful way to use overripe bananas. You can easily freeze ripe bananas for later use, or hasten their ripening process using a microwave for immediate baking. With this recipe, you can expect a moist, tender bread that captures the essence of wholesome homemade goodness.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bananas
4-5 (Mashed, very ripe)
Large eggs
3 (Beaten)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup (N/A)
Sugar
1 cup (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
All-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (N/A)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Baking soda
1 1/3 teaspoons (Dissolved in milk)
Buttermilk or sour milk
1/4 cup (N/A)
Chopped pecans
1 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8" x 4" loaf pans by greasing them or applying non-stick spray.
2
2. Peel and mash 4 to 5 very ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until they achieve a smooth consistency.
3
3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce to the mashed bananas, and blend the mixture thoroughly until well combined.
4
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated. If you prefer to reduce sugar, you may substitute 1/2 cup Splenda Plus for baking.
5
5. In a small container, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk or sour milk. Use a container larger than one cup, as the mixture will foam significantly.
6
6. Pour the foaming milk mixture into the banana batter and mix until evenly distributed. Then, fold in the chopped pecans gently.
7
7. Divide the batter equally between the prepared loaf pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes. Begin checking for doneness around the 55-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out almost clean, the bread is ready.
8
8. Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Carefully take the bread out of the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This bread freezes well for future enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Banana Pecan Delight Bread?
Banana Pecan Delight Bread is a wholesome and lighter version of classic banana bread that uses applesauce instead of oil and features chopped pecans for a pleasant crunch.
How many bananas do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 to 5 very ripe bananas, mashed until smooth.
What can I use instead of oil in this banana bread?
This recipe substitutes oil with 3/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to keep the bread moist while reducing fat.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of Splenda Plus for baking to further reduce the sugar content.
What size loaf pans are required?
You should use two 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pans.
How long should the bread bake?
The bread should bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I know when the Banana Pecan Delight Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out almost clean, the bread is ready. Start checking around the 55-minute mark.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Yes, this bread freezes well for future enjoyment.
What is the purpose of dissolving baking soda in buttermilk?
Dissolving the baking soda in buttermilk or sour milk activates the leavening agent. Be sure to use a container larger than one cup because the mixture will foam significantly.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze ripe bananas specifically to use for baking this bread at a later time.
How can I ripen bananas quickly for this bread?
If your bananas aren't ripe enough, you can hasten the ripening process using a microwave.
How many servings does one batch produce?
The recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
Should I grease the loaf pans?
Yes, you should grease the pans or apply non-stick spray before adding the batter.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are needed?
This recipe requires 3 large, beaten eggs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to complement the sweetness of the bananas.
How long should the bread cool after baking?
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.
What type of milk can I use?
You can use 1/4 cup of either buttermilk or sour milk.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Can I use sour milk if I don't have buttermilk?
Yes, sour milk is an acceptable substitute for buttermilk in this recipe.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a healthy snack.
How much baking soda is required?
You will need 1 1/3 teaspoons of baking soda.
What is the texture of the bread?
The bread is moist and tender with a pleasant crunch from the pecans.
Do I mix dry and wet ingredients separately?
Yes, the instructions suggest mixing dry ingredients in a separate bowl before gradually adding them to the banana and egg mixture.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much applesauce is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
When should I fold in the pecans?
Fold in the chopped pecans gently after the foaming milk mixture has been evenly distributed into the batter.
Is this recipe considered a quick bread?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick bread.