Moist and Delicious Banana Nut Bread with Buttermilk: A Simple Recipe
This recipe for banana nut bread uses buttermilk for extra moisture and a subtly tangy flavor that elevates the classic banana bread experience. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the wet ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For the dry ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the banana and nuts:
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Getting Started: Prep Your Ingredients
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked bread.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Buttermilk Magic: Gradually add the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
- Gentle Folding: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing to prevent a tough bread.
Adding the Banana and Nuts:
- Banana Power: Add the mashed bananas and mix until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Nutty Goodness: Fold in the chopped nuts.
Baking and Cooling:
- Into the Oven: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Baking Time: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes. Ovens vary!
- Cooling Down: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. The browner, the better!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Toothpick Test: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it's perfect.
- Storage: Store your banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy Your Delicious Banana Nut Bread!
This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful, and irresistible banana nut bread. The buttermilk adds a special touch that you and your family will love. Perfect for any occasion! Share your baking successes – we’d love to see your creations! #bananabread #buttermilk #baking #homemade #recipe #nutbread #easyrecipe #delicious
