Ina Garten’s Heavenly Banana Nut Bread Recipe for Beginners

Banana nut bread transforms ordinary kitchen moments into warm, comforting experiences that spark nostalgia and delight.

This classic recipe brings together soft, fragrant ingredients that whisper of homemade comfort and sweet memories.

Each slice carries the rich essence of ripe bananas mingling with crunchy, toasted nuts.

The humble loaf represents more than just a simple dessert – it’s a culinary hug that wraps you in familiar flavors.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike treasure this timeless treat for its remarkable simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Soft crumbs and golden-brown edges promise a delectable journey through texture and taste.

You’ll find yourself craving another slice before the first one disappears:

Banana Bread with a Crunch—Why It’s a Must-Try

• Elevate Breakfast Bliss: This banana nut bread transforms ordinary mornings into a luxurious experience with its rich, comforting flavors and irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Master Baker's Masterpiece: Ina Garten's foolproof recipe ensures perfect texture every time, with a moist interior and slightly crisp exterior that makes even novice bakers feel like culinary experts.
• Nutty Nutrition Boost: Packed with pecans and ripe bananas, this bread delivers a powerful punch of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, making it a deliciously smart breakfast or snack option.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in just over an hour, this versatile bread works magic for casual family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or unexpected guest visits, guaranteed to earn you serious cooking kudos.

What You’ll Need for Ina’s Banana Nut Magic

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the banana bread.
• Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the banana flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm depth to the bread's flavor profile.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the bread.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the banana bread.
• Buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb and adds slight tanginess.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor.

• Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Choose very ripe, soft bananas with dark spots for best flavor.

How to Bake It Moist and Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Gently coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter, ensuring every corner gets covered.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Chopped pecans
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Sea salt
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Buttermilk
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Mashed ripe bananas

Whisk until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade banana nut bread!

Top Tips for Golden Crust and Soft Center

• Maximize Banana Sweetness: Select overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for deeper, more intense banana flavor and natural sweetness.
• Toast Nuts to Perfection: Quickly toast pecans in a dry skillet to unlock their rich, complex flavor and create a delightful crunch that elevates the entire bread.
• Prevent Egg Scrambling: Let melted butter cool for a few minutes before mixing to avoid accidentally cooking the eggs and maintaining a smooth, creamy batter.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold ingredients until just combined to keep the bread tender and prevent developing tough gluten strands.
• Storage Secret: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3-4 days.

Best Storage Tricks for Banana Bread Fans

• Refrigerator Method: Seal banana nut bread in an airtight glass container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Consume within 5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Freezer Method: Slice bread into individual portions before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve texture. Label with date and contents. Frozen banana nut bread stays delicious for up to 3 months.
• Counter Method: Cover bread loosely with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent rapid staleness. Best enjoyed within 48 hours of baking for peak taste and texture.

Play with Mix-Ins—From Chocolate to Coconut

• Chocolate Chip Paradise: Add 1 cup of dark chocolate chips to the dry ingredients for a rich, indulgent version that chocolate lovers will adore. Fold the chips gently into the batter before baking to ensure even distribution.
• Tropical Banana Escape: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts and mix in 1/2 cup shredded coconut. Drizzle with a light rum glaze after cooling for a Caribbean-inspired banana bread that transports your taste buds.
• Spiced Autumn Comfort: Incorporate 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree into the wet ingredients and increase the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top before baking for a seasonal, warming treat that captures fall flavors.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with protein powder and add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for extra protein and crunch. This variation provides a nutritious upgrade to the classic banana bread recipe.

Banana Nut Bread Bliss, Wrapped Up

Banana nut bread whispers comfort through Ina Garten’s masterful recipe, blending classic Southern charm with elegant baking precision.

Pecans scattered throughout add delightful crunch against moist banana-infused crumb.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes dance across palate, creating nostalgic memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Perfect companions include morning coffee or afternoon tea, making this bread more than mere sustenance.

Bakers seeking meaningful connection will find joy in each carefully measured ingredient and gentle mixing technique.

Slice, savor, share – this bread beckons companions to gather, connect, and celebrate simple culinary pleasures.

Are you ready to bake, tag @InasKitchen, and spread deliciousness?

Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Banana Nut Bread delivers classic comfort with a gourmet twist. Rich banana flavor and crunchy walnuts create a delightful quick bread perfect for morning treats or afternoon snacks that soothe your soul.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium bananas (soft, very ripe, darkly speckled), mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or sour cream or yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and generously coat a 23 x 13 centimeters (9 x 5 inches) loaf pan with butter, ensuring complete coverage of the interior surfaces.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Whisk until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate medium-sized bowl, vigorously blend the wet ingredients: large eggs, melted unsalted butter, buttermilk, dark brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, and ripe mashed bananas until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
4. Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredient mixture and gradually pour the wet ingredient blend into it. Gently fold the ingredients together using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix. Stop stirring once the flour is just incorporated to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula to create an even surface. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it.
7. Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps the bread settle and makes removal easier. Carefully turn out the loaf onto a wire cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Cooling is crucial after baking to let the banana bread set and develop deeper flavors, preventing a crumbly texture.
• Wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil keeps the bread moist and fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature.
• Freezing works beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped securely in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Extra ripe bananas with dark brown spots create the most intense sweetness and rich banana flavor.
• Toasting pecans briefly in a dry skillet brings out their natural oils, making them more aromatic and crunchy.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, helping create a tender and evenly mixed banana bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg