Banana Nut Bread

Banana Nut Bread is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 220 calories per serving. Recipe by Blanca Estela's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $4.12 total, $0.34 per serving

Ingredients

  • 5 pieces Bananas (small, very ripe, mashed)
  • 2 pieces Eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Milk (any type, at room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 0.5 cup Sugar (granulated, adjust if bananas are very sweet)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (room temperature, cut into cubes)
  • 0.5 cup Chocolate Chips (optional, fold in at the end)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Mash Bananas

    Place the ripe bananas in the mixing bowl and mash them with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Butter and Sugar

    Add the room‑temperature unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir until the mixture is creamy and the sugar begins to dissolve.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Eggs, Milk, and Optional Chocolate Chips

    Beat in the two eggs, then stir in 1 tablespoon of milk. If using, fold in the chocolate chips now.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 cups all‑purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt. Sift if you prefer a lighter crumb.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

    Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring with a rubber spatula just until incorporated. Do not overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Prepare Loaf Pan and Transfer Batter

    Grease the 9x5‑inch loaf pan with a thin layer of butter or non‑stick spray, then pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake Banana Bread

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Cool Before Slicing

    Remove the loaf from the oven, let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT40M

  10. Slice and Serve

    Using a serrated bread knife, cut the loaf into generous squares or slices. Serve plain, with butter, or alongside coffee or milk.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
220
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Wheat

Last updated: March 16, 2026

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Banana Nut Bread

Recipe by Blanca Estela's Kitchen

A moist, sweet banana bread made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and a hint of butter. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or holiday gatherings. The recipe is simple, quick, and can be customized with chocolate chips or nuts.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 13m
Prep
55m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 23m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.12
Total cost
$0.34
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheating the oven to the correct temperature.
  • Mashing bananas only to a chunky consistency; over‑processing can make the crumb gummy.
  • Mixing wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
  • Checking doneness with a toothpick to prevent under‑ or over‑baking.
  • Cooling the bread before slicing to maintain structure.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a serrated knife carefully; keep fingers away from the blade.
  • Do not overheat butter; keep it at room temperature, not melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of banana bread in American home baking?

A

Banana bread became popular in the United States during the 1930s Great Depression when resourceful cooks used overripe bananas to avoid waste. It later surged in the 1970s as a staple of quick‑bread recipes, symbolizing comfort and frugality in American households.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of banana bread in the United States?

A

In the Southern U.S., banana bread often includes pecans or walnuts and a touch of molasses. West Coast versions may add chocolate chips or coconut, while New England bakers sometimes incorporate maple syrup for extra sweetness.

cultural
Q

How is banana bread traditionally served in American cuisine?

A

Banana bread is typically sliced and served warm or at room temperature, often spread with butter. It’s a common accompaniment to coffee or tea at breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, especially during holidays and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is banana bread traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Banana bread is a go‑to treat for holiday breakfasts, potlucks, and family brunches. It’s also popular for back‑to‑school lunches and as a comforting snack during winter holidays when ripe bananas are plentiful.

cultural
Q

What makes banana bread special or unique in American quick‑bread cuisine?

A

Banana bread combines the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with simple pantry staples, creating a dense yet tender crumb that stays fresh for days. Its flexibility for add‑ins like chocolate chips or nuts makes it a versatile crowd‑pleaser.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for banana bread versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include ripe bananas, all‑purpose flour, eggs, butter, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes are whole‑wheat flour, plant‑based milks, dairy‑free butter, and flax or applesauce as egg replacements for vegan versions.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with banana bread?

A

Banana bread pairs nicely with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk. It also complements breakfast plates featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit, and can be served alongside a cheese platter for a sweet‑savory contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making banana bread?

A

Common mistakes include overmixing the batter, using under‑ripe bananas, and baking at an incorrect temperature. Overmixing creates a tough crumb, while unripe bananas result in a bland, dry loaf.

technical
Q

Why does this banana bread recipe use both baking soda and baking powder?

A

Baking soda reacts with the acidity of ripe bananas to give lift, while baking powder provides additional leavening for a lighter crumb. Using both ensures the bread rises evenly without a dense texture.

technical
Q

Can I make this banana bread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the loaf a day ahead, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the pieces in airtight bags.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Blanca Estela's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Blanca Estela's Kitchen specializes in simple, family‑friendly Latin‑American and comfort‑food recipes, focusing on step‑by‑step tutorials that use everyday ingredients and emphasize flavor and tradition.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Blanca Estela's Kitchen's approach to baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Blanca Estela's Kitchen emphasizes personal storytelling, cultural context, and practical tips like ingredient substitutions, making the recipes feel approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, unlike many channels that focus solely on technique.

channel

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