Ultimate Moist Banana Nut Bread
This Ultimate Moist Banana Nut Bread recipe has been cherished for over three decades, originating from a beloved family tradition. It was shared with me when I was just 12 years old, and it has consistently proven to be the best of its kind. My son even took this recipe to the California State Fair, where he proudly earned a first-place ribbon at the same age. The texture is incredibly moist, and the flavor is rich and delightful. This versatile recipe allows you to bake either a classic loaf or individual muffins, perfect for busy mornings when my kids need a quick, nutritious grab-and-go snack. By using a blend of margarine for moisture and butter for taste, I've perfected the balance that ensures every bite is deliciously satisfying. Whether you’re looking to impress family, friends, or just want a comforting homemade treat, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter (or margarine)
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
1 1/4 cups (granulated)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
eggs
2 (beaten)
ripe bananas
3 (mashed (about 1 cup))
milk
1/4 cup (whole or 2%)
all-purpose flour
2 cups
salt
1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2-1 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour one standard loaf pan or line muffin cups with paper liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
3
Add in the vanilla extract and beaten eggs, mixing until well incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas and milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5
If desired, fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan or muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7
Bake in preheated oven: for the loaf, 45-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For muffins, bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8
Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official name of this banana bread recipe?
The official name is the Ultimate Moist Banana Nut Bread.
How long has this recipe been in the family tradition?
This recipe has been cherished for over three decades.
Has this recipe won any awards?
Yes, it earned a first-place ribbon at the California State Fair.
At what age did the author first receive this recipe?
The author was 12 years old when the recipe was shared with them.
How is the texture of this bread described?
The texture is described as incredibly moist with a rich and delightful flavor.
What is the secret to the balance of moisture and taste in this bread?
The secret is using a blend of margarine for moisture and butter for taste.
Can this recipe be used for muffins?
Yes, the recipe allows you to bake either a classic loaf or individual muffins.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do you prepare the loaf pan?
You should grease and flour one standard loaf pan.
How long should the butter and sugar be creamed?
They should be creamed for about 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
When should the vanilla extract and eggs be added?
Add them to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well incorporated.
Which dry ingredients are mixed in a separate bowl?
The all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda should be combined in a separate bowl.
How should the dry ingredients be added to the batter?
Gradually add the dry ingredients while alternating with the mashed bananas and milk.
What is a common mistake to avoid during mixing?
Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients.
Are nuts required for this recipe?
No, the nuts are optional and can be folded in if desired.
Which types of nuts are recommended?
Chopped pecans or walnuts are recommended.
How full should the pan or muffin cups be?
Fill the loaf pan or muffin cups about 2/3 full.
How long does it take to bake a loaf?
A loaf takes between 45 and 60 minutes to bake.
How long does it take to bake muffins?
Muffins take between 20 and 25 minutes to bake until golden.
How do you test for doneness?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it is done if it comes out clean.
What is the cooling process?
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
How many bananas are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 ripe bananas, which is approximately 1 cup when mashed.
What amount of butter or margarine is needed?
1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine is required.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
What type of milk is suggested?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of whole or 2% milk.
What type of flour is used?
2 cups of all-purpose flour are used.
Is pure or imitation vanilla recommended?
The ingredients list specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How many eggs are required?
Two beaten eggs are required for this recipe.
Can this bread be served warm?
Yes, it can be served warm or at room temperature.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include banana bread, moist bread, quick bread, muffin recipe, and family recipe.