Imagine your home filled with the sweet, comforting aroma of ripe bananas, warm spices, and toasting pecans. That’s the promise of this Moist & Nutty Pecan Banana Bread, a truly classic homemade recipe designed for those perfectly cozy mornings. This isn’t just banana bread; it’s an experience – a slice of tender, incredibly moist bread, studded with crunchy pecans and bursting with natural banana sweetness. It’s the perfect companion to your morning coffee, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a simple, satisfying dessert. Get ready to bake some pure comfort!
Time & Serving:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55-65 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 10-12 slices
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread:
▢ 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1 tsp baking soda
▢ 1/2 tsp salt
▢ 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
▢ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
▢ 3 large ripe bananas, well-mashed
▢ 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
▢ 3/4 cup granulated sugar
▢ 2 large eggs,
▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
▢ 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using). Set aside. This step ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the well-mashed ripe bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry flour mixture. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and actually contribute to a more tender bread. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tougher loaf.
- Gently fold in the 3/4 cup of chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans over the top of the batter for a beautiful presentation.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before attempting to remove it. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from falling apart. After 30 minutes, carefully invert the loaf onto the wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This banana bread is ideal served warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter, for a delightful breakfast, snack, or simple dessert.
Recipe Notes:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe – the more brown spots, the better! They are easier to mash and contribute more banana flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: This is one of the most important tips for tender banana bread. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined. A lumpy batter is a happy batter!
- Pecans (or Walnuts): Toasted pecans will have a deeper flavor. You can easily substitute walnuts if you prefer, or omit the nuts altogether if desired.
- Measuring Flour: For the most accurate measurement, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, leading to a denser bread.
- Checking for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. The toothpick test is the most reliable.
- Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark), shredded coconut, or dried cranberries along with the pecans for a different twist.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully; wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
This Moist & Nutty Pecan Banana Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of home. With its irresistibly moist crumb, comforting banana flavor, delightful crunch from the pecans, and warm spices, it’s a timeless classic that brings joy to any occasion. Bake a loaf, fill your home with its wonderful aroma, and enjoy every delicious moment!
