Banana bread is a quintessential comfort food, cherished for its moist texture and deep banana flavor. This classic recipe elevates the standard by adding toasted walnuts and sweet raisins, which contribute a wonderful crunch and a burst of flavor. Ideal for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert, this banana bread is both simple to prepare and a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Savor the inviting aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your home!
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork
½ cup butter (1 stick) at room temperature
3/4 cup white sugar (or 1 scant cup of honey)
2 eggs, room temperature
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp real vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
½ cup raisins
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
Prepare the Bananas: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar (or honey) together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
