Super Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe

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As I welcomed the morning with the golden rays of the sun streaming through my kitchen window, the sweet, comforting aroma of banana nut bread began to fill the air. It’s a scent that instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen where family, love, and delicious baked goods were always abundant. It’s the kind of recipe that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, and today, I’m more than thrilled to share that slice of home with you.

In this article, I’ll reveal my secret Super Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe that has been perfected over the years, passed down through generations, and adored by everyone who has had the chance to sneak a bite. Whether you’ve been on an endless quest to find that perfect banana bread texture or you’re simply craving a slice of homemade comfort, your search ends here.

How to make Super Moist Banana Nut Bread

Super Moist Banana Nut Bread is an exceptionally moist type of banana bread, typically due to extra ingredients such as sour cream, yogurt, or buttermilk, which add moisture and richness to the bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts, plus more for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Blend in Bananas: Beat in the mashed bananas, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
• Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top for a crunchy finish. Bake in the
• Preheat oven for about 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Super Moist Banana Nut Bread:

• Banana Ripeness: The key to moisture and sweetness lies in the bananas. Use overripe bananas that have lots of brown spots for the best results.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to denser bread.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: These ingredients add moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Either works beautifully, so use what you have on hand.
• Toasting Walnuts: For an extra flavor punch, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
• Checking for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so check the bread at 55 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
• Storage: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays well at room temperature for a few days and is in the refrigerator for about a week.

What to serve with

Super moist banana nut bread, with its rich flavors and comforting textures, is a delectable treat. However, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your experience and turn a simple slice into a decadent delight. Here are some delightful pairing ideas that range from breakfast spreads to dessert transformations, ensuring your banana nut bread is the star no matter what time of day you decide to indulge.

For a Hearty Breakfast:

• Butter & Honey: While the Super moist banana nut bread is still warm, spread a dollop of butter and drizzle some honey over the top. The butter melts into the bread, and the honey adds a glossy, sweet layer.
• Whipped Cream Cheese: Lightly whip cream cheese with a few drops of vanilla extract and a pinch of sugar. Spread this creamy topping over a slice of banana nut bread for a breakfast that feels like dessert.
• Fresh Fruit Compote: Simmer seasonal fruits with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until soft. Serve this homemade compote atop your bread for a fresh and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the banana bread.

For a Relaxing Brunch:

• Mascarpone & Berries: Spread a generous layer of mascarpone cheese over your slice and top with fresh berries. The mild creaminess of the mascarpone beautifully complements the tartness of the berries.
• Nut Butter & Banana Slices: For a nuttier, more protein-packed option, spread your favorite nut butter on the Super moist banana nut bread and top with banana slices. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
• Avocado & Egg: For a savory twist, mash avocado on top of a toasted slice and finish with a poached or fried egg—season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hearty, savory breakfast.

For an Afternoon Snack:

• Tea or Coffee Pairing: Sometimes, simplicity is key. A warm cup of tea or coffee alongside a slice of banana nut where the subtle flavors of your brew complement the sweetness and nuttiness of the bread.
• Chocolate Spread & Sea Salt: Amplify the indulgence by spreading a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread over your banana nut bread, finishing with a light sprinkle of sea salt to accentuate the flavors.

For Dessert:

• Ice Cream Sandwich: Slice the banana nut bread thinly, toast it lightly, and sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream, like vanilla, caramel, or coffee flavor, in between for a unique dessert treat.
• Grilled Banana Nut Bread with Caramel Sauce: Lightly grill slices of banana nut bread until warm and toasty. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.
• Sweetened Ricotta & Citrus Zest: Mix ricotta cheese with a touch of powdered sugar and spread over the bread. Top with freshly grated orange or lemon zest for a refreshingly light dessert that dances on the palate.

To Drink:

• Dessert Wines: A sweet Moscato or a Port can complement the sweetness and texture of the banana nut bread, especially when served as dessert.
• Craft Beers: Believe it or not, a nutty brown ale or a rich stout can pair wonderfully with the bread, balancing its sweetness with its own depth and complexity.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating super moist banana nut bread is an art as much as it is a science, and sometimes you might find yourself wanting or needing to substitute some of the ingredients either due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply because you’ve run out of an item. Fortunately, many substitutes can work wonderfully without compromising the bread’s delicious taste and moist texture. Here’s a detailed guide on substitutes for some key ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute three-quarters of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber. Note that this swap will make the bread denser and heavier.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a one-for-one gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum to ensure the bread holds together well.

Baking Soda

• Baking Powder: If you’re out of baking soda, use three times the amount of baking powder. This may slightly alter the taste and texture since baking powder contains acidic components.

Salt

• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: You can use sea salt or kosher salt instead of table salt, but be aware of the grain size. Finer grains are more “salty” per volume, so adjust accordingly.

Unsalted Butter

• Oil: Canola, vegetable, or even coconut oil can substitute for butter in a 1:1 ratio. This will keep the bread moist but may change the flavor slightly.
• Applesauce: For a lower-fat option, use unsweetened applesauce. Use half the amount of butter called for in the recipe.

Granulated Sugar

• Brown Sugar: Substitute with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. It can enhance the moisture but will darken the bread.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Use 3/4 cup of maple syrup or honey for every 1 cup of sugar required. Reduce other liquid ingredients in the recipe by about 3 tablespoons to accommodate the liquid sweetener.

Eggs

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes until it gels. This works great for moisture but won’t leaven as eggs do.
• Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg for added moisture. This substitute is best in recipes where the egg’s primary function is moisture, not binding.

Ripe Banana

• Pumpkin Puree: For a different flavor twist, substitute equal parts of canned pumpkin puree for mashed bananas. This will change the taste significantly but offers a delightful fall variation.
• Avocado: Use ripe mashed avocado in place of bananas for a bread that is still moist, with a lighter, almost buttery texture. Start with half as much avocado as banana, and adjust according to taste and texture.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

• Buttermilk: If you don’t have sour cream or Greek yogurt, buttermilk is an excellent substitute for maintaining moisture and tanginess. Use the same quantity.
• Mashed Avocado: For a dairy-free option, use mashed avocado in the same quantity. This adds creaminess and moisture similar to sour cream or yogurt.

Walnuts

• Pecans: Similar in texture and taste, pecans can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for a slightly different nutty flavor.
• Almonds or Hazelnuts: Chopped almonds or hazelnuts can also be used but may change the flavor profile. For nut allergies, substitute with seeds like pepitas or sunflower seeds.

Final Thoughts

The versatility of super moist banana nut bread means it can be transformed into a myriad of treats to suit any taste or occasion. From the simplicity of a buttered slice to the luxury of a dessert adorned in sauces and creams, there’s an endless array of options to explore.

More Dessert Bread Recipes:

• Samin Nosrat’s Ligurian Focaccia Recipe