Moist Banana Walnut Bread (Bread Machine)
Indulge in the delightful experience of making this Moist Banana Walnut Bread using your bread machine. Perfectly sweetened and packed with crunchy walnuts, this quick bread bursts with rich banana flavor that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this recipe is not only simple and convenient but also an excellent way to use overripe bananas. Plus, with the bread machine doing most of the work, you'll have more time to enjoy this delectable loaf fresh from the oven. Each slice is wonderfully moist and tender, making it perfect for toasting or enjoying on its own.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
buttermilk
1/3 cup (room temperature)
buttermilk
1 tablespoon (80-90°F)
butter
1/2 cup (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
eggs
2 large (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
mashed bananas
1 1/4 cups (ripe)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
baking powder
3/4 teaspoon (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
chopped walnuts
2/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Ensure that all ingredients, excluding buttermilk, are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
2
In the bread machine pan, layer the ingredients in the following order: 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon buttermilk, butter pieces, eggs, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, salt, sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Finally, sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top.
3
Select the 'Quick Bread/Cake' cycle on your bread machine and set it to medium crust. Start the machine.
4
After approximately 4 minutes of mixing, use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan to ensure everything is fully combined. If your model allows, pause the cycle and remove the kneading paddle before baking.
5
Allow the machine to finish the cycle. Once complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan.
6
Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps achieve cleaner slices and enhances flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moist Banana Walnut Bread?
Moist Banana Walnut Bread is a flavorful quick bread made using a bread machine, featuring mashed bananas for moisture and chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Which bread machine setting should I use for this recipe?
You should select the 'Quick Bread' or 'Cake' cycle on your bread machine, as this recipe uses chemical leaveners like baking powder and soda rather than yeast.
What crust setting is recommended?
A medium crust setting is recommended to ensure the edges are perfectly browned without becoming too hard.
Why do the ingredients need to be at room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, mix more easily and help the batter emulsify correctly for a better rise.
What temperature should the buttermilk be?
The buttermilk should be between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure optimal mixing and activation within the bread machine.
In what order should I add the ingredients to the bread pan?
Layer buttermilk first, followed by butter, eggs, vanilla, mashed bananas, salt, sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and finally walnuts on top.
How should the butter be prepared before adding it?
The butter should be cut into 1/2 inch pieces to help it incorporate evenly into the batter during the mixing cycle.
What type of bananas are best for this bread?
Use overripe bananas with brown spots on the skin; they are sweeter and easier to mash, providing the best flavor and moisture.
How much mashed banana do I need?
This recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of mashed bananas, which usually equates to about 2 to 3 medium-sized bananas.
Why do I need to scrape the sides of the bread pan?
Scraping the sides and bottom after 4 minutes of mixing ensures that all dry flour pockets are incorporated into the batter.
Can I remove the kneading paddle?
Yes, if your machine allows it, you can pause the cycle after mixing is complete and remove the paddle to avoid a large hole in the bottom of the loaf.
How long should the bread cool before slicing?
The bread should cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the internal structure to set, resulting in cleaner slices and better flavor.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips if you prefer.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
You can use salted butter, but you may want to slightly reduce the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
What is the role of buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk adds moisture, a slight tang, and reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise.
Can I use all-purpose flour for this banana bread?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour for a tender, cake-like crumb.
What should I do if my bread machine doesn't have a 'Quick Bread' cycle?
You can use a 'Cake' cycle or a manual setting that mixes the ingredients and bakes for about 60-80 minutes without a yeast-rise stage.
How do I store leftover banana bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Yes, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe considered a dessert or a breakfast item?
Because it is perfectly sweetened, it works excellently as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Absolutely. If you prefer a nut-free bread, simply omit the walnuts from the final step of layering.
What if my bananas aren't mashed enough?
Ensure they are mashed to a smooth consistency before adding them to the bread pan to avoid large chunks of fruit in the finished loaf.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Density can be caused by old baking powder/soda, ingredients being too cold, or over-mixing during the cycle.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, but it may affect the moisture and browning of the bread. It is best to use a substitute designed for 1:1 baking.
What size eggs should I use?
This recipe is optimized for 2 large eggs at room temperature.
How do I know the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
What is the texture of this bread?
Each slice is wonderfully moist and tender with a slightly dense 'quick bread' crumb and crunchy walnut pieces.
Can I add cinnamon to this recipe?
Yes, adding 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon with the flour can add a warm spice flavor to the bread.
Does this bread machine recipe require yeast?
No, this is a quick bread recipe that relies on baking powder and baking soda for leavening.
How can I get cleaner slices of banana bread?
Wait until the bread is completely cool and use a serrated bread knife for the cleanest, most uniform slices.