Delicious and Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe
In the South, banana nut bread is more than just a sweet treat – it’s a beloved tradition that’s been passed down through generations. When the aroma of banana and pecans fill the air, there’s an unspoken understanding that something special is about to happen. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Southern Banana Nut Bread.
This recipe has all the characteristics that make a good banana nut bread great: moistness, richness, and just the right amount of sweetness. The secret to this recipe is in using ripe bananas and toasted pecans. Each bite offers the perfect balance between soft, creamy, and crunchy textures.
There’s nothing more satisfying than sharing a slice of warm banana nut bread with friends and family over a cup of coffee or tea on a lazy afternoon. But whether you’re baking for yourself or for others, this recipe is perfect all year round. It’s great as a breakfast snack or as a dessert after dinner. Trust me when I say it won’t last long in your kitchen.
So get ready to impress everyone with your baking skills! This recipe is easy to follow, and the result will make you feel like a true southern baker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you always on the hunt for new and exciting recipes to try out in the kitchen? Look no further than this Southern Banana Nut Bread recipe. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious and moist bread that is perfect for breakfast, dessert or even as a midday snack.
What sets this recipe apart from others is the combination of ripe bananas and crunchy pecans, which create an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. This recipe also calls for buttermilk, which adds a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bananas.
Not only is this bread tasty, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, including self-rising flour, sugar and eggs, you can have your bread in the oven in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for those times when you have some overripe bananas lying around that you don’t want to waste!
But don’t just take my word for it- countless others have raved about this recipe from popular cooking channels like Food Network and Southern Living. Adding this recipe to your repertoire will not only please your taste buds but leave everyone who tries it begging for more. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?
Ingredient List
Preparing a Southern Banana Nut Bread needs some key ingredients to add an explosion of flavors in each bite. Don’t worry, it’s something that usually exists in most kitchens that enjoy baking. Double-check your pantry or grocery list for these recipe ingredients:
- 2 cups purpose flour – all-purpose flour is the perfect consistency for this bread
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – make sure your ingredients have not expired for optimal results
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – just a pinch will enhance flavors
- 2 large eggs, beaten – better use large size as they are ideal for binding
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – gives sweetness to the bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed – pick overripe bananas because they will be easier to mash and incorporate into the batter, plus their intensified sweetness.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – brings richness and moistness to your banana nut bread
- 4 teaspoons butter flavor shortening, such as Crisco (optional) – contributes to a more tender crust
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or sour cream – adds tanginess and moistness
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – helps boost the banana’s natural flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional) – balances out the sweetness of the bananas and sugar
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, divided into 3/4 and 1/2 cups
This delicious recipe is so versatile that you can easily tweak the ingredients according to your preference. If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t prefer them, you can remove pecans altogether or substitute them for chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, or dates—the possibilities are endless! Just make sure to tailor the recipe ingredients to your preference and taste.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the Southern Banana Nut Bread recipe ingredients, it’s time to get started with making this delicious bread.
Mashing The Bananas
First things first, let’s begin with the bananas. Take 3 ripe bananas and mash them using a fork or potato masher. You don’t want any large pieces of banana in your bread, so make sure to mush them thoroughly.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix together 1 cup sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup butter flavor shortening in a mixing bowl. Once they are well-combined, add in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, and mix well until you get a smooth batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups self-rising flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients mixture while continually mixing on low speed until everything is fully combined.
Add Final Touches
Now that your ingredients are fully mixed, add in 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to really bring out the flavor. Continue mixing until you get a smooth batter.
Add Pecans
Next up is to add in your chopped pecans. Fold in ¾ cup chopped pecans into your batter.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan with some butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan evenly using a rubber spatula, then sprinkle some more chopped pecans on top for an extra crunch.
Bake for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once it’s ready, let it cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your scrumptious homemade Southern Banana Nut Bread, perfect for any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself.
Substitutions and Variations
My dear readers, I understand that sometimes you have to work with what you have, and it can be hard to procure all the exact ingredients listed in a recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations to make your Southern Banana Nut Bread creation even more exciting.
If you do not have any buttermilk on hand, do not fret. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a measuring cup and fill it with milk up to the 1 cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
For a delicious twist, add some toffee bits or chopped chocolate into your batter. It will add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
For extra crunch and complexity, swap out pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts. These nuts have lovely earthy undertones that pair perfectly with the sweetness of bananas.
If you desire a gluten-free banana bread, replace the self-rising flour with gluten-free flour and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Lastly, if you are feeling extra experimental, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or swapping out the regular butter for unsalted brown butter. Trust me; these small changes can elevate your banana bread game to new heights.
I hope these substitutions and variations inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and make this Southern Banana Nut Bread recipe even more personal to you. Happy baking!
Serving and Pairing
As a chef who has mastered the art of southern-style cuisine, I can confidently say that banana nut bread is a versatile treat that can be served for any occasion. For breakfast or brunch, cut a thick slice and pair it with a piping hot cup of coffee to start your day on a sweet note. The aroma of freshly baked bread and bananas will tantalize your senses and prepare you for an exciting day ahead.
If you’re entertaining guests, try serving this bread as a dessert. You can elevate the dish by sprinkling chopped pecans or toffee bits over the top and serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The nutty flavor and creamy texture will create a heavenly taste in your mouth that your guests will remember long after they’ve left your table.
Additionally, if you have leftovers for lunch or dinner, toast a slice and spread some butter or cream cheese over it. The creamy goodness of either dairy product will complement the sweetness of the bread and create a perfectly balanced meal.
This southern-style banana nut bread pairs well with almost anything, but some other ideas include fresh fruit medleys, lemon curd, whipped cream, or even sweet jam. You can also add a bit of tartness to the dish by mixing some lemon juice with confectioners’ sugar to create a sweet and sour glaze that will make you lick your lips.
In conclusion, this moist banana cake recipe is so easy to make that it will quickly become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion. Its adaptability to different situations makes it perfect for brunches, afternoon tea-time treats, dinner parties or just as an everyday breakfast option. So grab your baking tools and get ready to explore the endless possibilities of this best banana nut bread recipe – trust me when I say that your taste buds will thank you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As tempting as it may be to dig into your fresh-out-of-the-oven Southern banana nut bread recipe, waiting a day can lead to even more delicious outcome. Allowing the nutty flavors to meld together makes the bread even more moist and flavorful. If you have an event or party coming up, you can make this bread ahead of time and store it for later use.
To make-ahead, simply bake the Southern banana nut bread as directed and let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it wrapped in wax paper and plastic wrap for up to two months.
When you’re ready to serve, pull out the bread from the refrigerator or freezer and let it come to room temperature by keeping it at room temperature for about an hour. Reheat them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F until warm, then slice and enjoy.
To add some variety with your leftovers, try toasting slices of your Southern Banana Nut Bread in a toaster or toaster oven with a little bit of butter on top. The nutty flavors are further enhanced, making this delight perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Remember not to store the cream cheese glaze with the loaf of bread since it will make it soggy. Before storing, separate any leftover glaze into an airtight container and place it in the fridge; reheat using low power setting for 30 seconds, stirring between intervals until the mixture starts to melt.
All said and done, this classic recipe is durable enough to travel well if you need to take them somewhere!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect Southern Banana Nut Bread can be a true work of art, and every baker knows that sometimes tweaking a recipe gives you fantastic results. In this section, I’ll provide you with my personal tips to make sure that your loaf comes out perfectly every single time.
Firstly, one of the keys to this banana nut bread is to use very ripe bananas. The more ripe they are, to the point where the skin is spotted or even turning black, the better. This will ensure that your banana bread has the absolute best banana flavor and sweetness.
Another tip I have is to use butter flavor shortening instead of regular butter. This will give your loaf an unmatched richness and moisture level. If you don’t have butter flavor shortening readily available, unsalted butter can be substituted without issue.
When it comes to measuring dry ingredients like the self-rising flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt – make sure to spoon them loosely into a measuring cup and then level it off with a knife for precise measurements. This will help eliminate any extra air pockets which may cause inconsistency in how the recipe bakes up.
Additionally, always preheat your oven before baking. You want it to be at the proper temperature when you place the batter inside so that it can bake evenly from top-to-bottom in the center of the oven.
Lastly, be careful when adding nuts into your batter. Fold them gently into the mixture instead of stirring aggressively or beating them in with an electric mixer so that they remain evenly distributed throughout. Trust me: you don’t want any pockets of nutmeg clustered together in your loaf!
By following these tips and tricks to a T, you’re guaranteed heavenly southern banana nut bread each and every time!
Bottom Line
As a chef who specializes in Southern cuisine, I know a thing or two about good banana nut bread. And let me tell you, this recipe is truly the best of the best. With its moist and easy-to-make texture, the Southern Banana Nut Bread is the perfect dessert to enjoy with your loved ones during any occasion.
The mix of ripe bananas, pecans, and buttermilk creates a delightful taste that makes it impossible to have just one slice. Plus, this recipe includes tips for substitutions and variations, so you can tailor it to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a healthier version or want to add some extra sweetness, this recipe has got you covered.
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps at your fingertips, there’s no reason not to try this recipe out. Go ahead and impress your guests with the best banana nut bread they’ll ever taste! Trust me, once they try it, they won’t stop asking for more.
Southern Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter flavor shortening
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Topping
- 1/4-1/3 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- additional chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar; beat in eggs. Blend in bananas and vanilla. Add flour alternately with buttermilk. Fold in pecans. Pour into two greased 8 x 4 x 2 inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack; cool completely.
- For topping, combine bananas, confectioners' sugar and lemon juice; spread over loaves. Sprinkle with pecans.