Deliciously Moist Banana Walnut Loaf
Indulge in the rich flavors of this irresistibly moist Banana Walnut Loaf, inspired by Starbucks' cherished recipe. This delectable bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of walnuts, creating a delightful texture and taste that will leave you craving more. Perfect as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or even a dessert, this loaf is best enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or toasted to perfection. Give it a try and savor the delightful experience of homemade goodness straight from your oven.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (all-purpose, sifted)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (sifted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (fine salt)
egg
1 (large, room temperature)
sugar
1 1/8 cups (granulated)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (canola or similar)
buttermilk
2 tablespoons (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
bananas
3 (ripe, medium-large, mashed)
chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (plus 1/3 cup for topping, toasted if desired)
chopped walnuts
1/3 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and creamy.
4
Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5
Fold in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until the batter is smooth.
6
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts over the top of the batter for added crunch.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this banana walnut loaf?
The loaf features a rich flavor profile combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutty crunch of walnuts.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
What size loaf pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
Grease the pan and dust it lightly with flour to prevent the bread from sticking.
How many bananas are needed?
The recipe requires 3 medium-large ripe bananas, mashed.
What type of flour is best for this bread?
All-purpose flour, sifted, is recommended for this recipe.
How much sugar does the recipe call for?
You will need 1 1/8 cups of granulated sugar.
What kind of oil should I use?
Vegetable oil, such as canola or a similar neutral oil, is used for moisture.
How many eggs are in this banana bread?
This recipe uses one large, room temperature egg.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk adds moisture and reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise and stay tender.
Can I use regular vanilla extract?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How many walnuts go inside the batter?
You should fold 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts into the batter.
Is there a topping for this loaf?
Yes, sprinkle an additional 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts over the top before baking.
How long does the loaf need to bake?
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes.
How do I check if the banana loaf is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
Should I mix the flour and egg mixture together all at once?
No, gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Why shouldn't I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can result in a tough or dense loaf rather than a light and moist one.
When should I add the mashed bananas?
Fold in the mashed bananas along with the buttermilk and vanilla after the flour and egg mixtures are combined.
How long should the loaf cool in the pan?
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack.
Is this recipe similar to any coffee shop breads?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the cherished banana walnut loaf from Starbucks.
How many servings does one loaf provide?
One loaf provides approximately 8 servings.
What is the best way to serve this bread?
It is best enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or toasted to perfection.
Can I toast the walnuts before adding them?
Yes, you can toast the walnuts if desired for extra flavor and crunch.
What leavening agent is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sifted baking soda.
Does the egg need to be at a specific temperature?
The recipe recommends using a large, room temperature egg for better emulsification.
How much salt is included?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt.
What kind of bread category does this fall into?
It is considered a quick bread, meaning it uses chemical leavening instead of yeast.
Is this a good snack option?
Absolutely, it is perfect as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.
What should the batter consistency be like?
The batter should be smooth after the bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla are folded in.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include banana bread, walnut bread, quick bread, breakfast, snack, and Starbucks inspired.