Spiced Nutty Banana Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Spiced Nutty Banana Bread is your new go-to recipe for a comforting, homemade treat. Infused with warm spices and crunchy nuts, this loaf is perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon snack. Easy to whip up, it's a fantastic way to use those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

Ingredients for Spiced Nutty Banana Bread

The star of this recipe is definitely the ripe bananas, which add natural sweetness and moisture. Softened butter gives the bread a rich flavor, while brown sugar adds a hint of caramel. Two large eggs help bind everything together, and a splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. The dry ingredients consist of all-purpose flour, which provides structure, and baking soda for leavening, ensuring your loaf rises beautifully. Salt balances the sweetness, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse the bread with warmth and depth. Lastly, chopped walnuts and pecans introduce a satisfying crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your bananas aren't ripe enough, roast them in their peels at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until they're blackened and soft.
  • For extra flavor, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the batter.
  • Use a metal loaf pan for a more evenly baked loaf; glass pans can cause uneven cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Nutty Banana Bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by spreading a layer of cream cheese or almond butter. For a special treat, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's also lovely served alongside a hot cup of chai or spiced tea, which complements the bread's warm spices beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.
How should I store the banana bread?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Absolutely! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Spiced Nutty Banana Bread Recipe Walkthrough

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures your bread will be tender.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create a smooth batter. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The bananas should be mashed enough to mix in easily but don't worry about a few small lumps; they'll blend in during baking.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing any unpleasant surprises in the finished loaf. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.

Fold in the chopped walnuts and pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This helps the bread bake evenly.

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is done. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period helps the loaf set, making it easier to slice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet bananas and warm spices.
  • Crispy nut topping adds delightful texture.
  • Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
  • Deliciously moist with a tender crumb.
  • Fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined.
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts and pecans.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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