The Perfect Wholesome Walnut Banana Bread Recipe for Beginners

Wholesome walnut banana bread elevates an ordinary breakfast into a delectable morning celebration of flavor and nutrition.

Tender crumbs packed with nutty richness showcase how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

Bakers seeking a healthier twist will appreciate the balanced blend of whole wheat and almond flours.

Each slice promises a delightful combination of soft, moist texture and satisfying crunch from carefully chopped walnuts.

Natural sweetness from ripe bananas eliminates the need for excessive sugar, making this bread a smart choice for health-conscious individuals.

The recipe strikes a perfect harmony between indulgence and wellness, proving that nutritious can also mean delicious.

Prepare to fall in love with a new breakfast favorite.

Tips to Nail Walnut Banana Bread Every Time

• Ripen Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe, deeply speckled bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Prevent Sinking Nuts: Lightly coat walnuts in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Mix Minimally: Stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure a tender, soft bread texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Check Moisture Balance: If batter seems too dry, add an extra tablespoon of almond milk to maintain a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Cool Completely: Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool entirely before slicing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.

How to Store and Reheat Walnut Banana Bread

• Refrigeration: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. The bread stays moist and delicious when properly sealed.
• Freezing: Slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen banana bread stays good for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for quick enjoyment.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a soft, cozy texture.

What Tastes Great with Walnut Banana Bread

• Brew Complementary Coffee: Pair this wholesome banana bread with a medium-roast Colombian coffee that highlights the warm cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, creating a rich morning experience.
• Elevate with Creamy Spreads: Enhance each slice with honey-whipped mascarpone or almond butter, which will complement the walnut's earthy crunch and banana's natural sweetness.
• Match with Warm Beverage Companions: Serve alongside a chai latte or vanilla rooibos tea to amplify the bread's spice profile and provide a comforting, cozy feeling during breakfast or afternoon snack time.
• Create Dessert Transformation: Drizzle a light maple glaze or dust with powdered sugar to elevate this banana bread from simple breakfast to an elegant dessert perfect for after-dinner enjoyment.

Easy Upgrades to Your Walnut Banana Bread

• Chocolate Chunk Walnut Banana Bread: Swap some walnuts for dark chocolate chunks, creating a rich and indulgent version that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Tropical Coconut Banana Bread: Add shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a vibrant, island-inspired flavor profile.
• Spiced Autumn Banana Bread: Increase the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and incorporate a handful of pumpkin seeds for an extra seasonal touch.
• Nutty Protein Boost Banana Bread: Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder and replace some flour with almond flour for a more nutritious, protein-packed treat.

Why You’ll Love Wholesome Walnut Banana Bread

• Create Incredible Wholesome Texture: Packed with hearty walnuts and rolled oats, this banana bread delivers an amazing crunch and soft interior that provides delightful mouthfeel in every single bite.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Loaded with plant-based ingredients like almond milk, multiple flours, and walnuts, this recipe offers substantial protein, fiber, and healthy unsaturated fats without compromising delicious flavor.
• Master Easy Baking Technique: Simple one-bowl mixing method allows even beginner bakers to confidently create a bakery-quality banana bread with minimal kitchen skills and straightforward ingredient combinations.
• Enjoy Guilt-Free Indulgence: With low calories, zero cholesterol, and minimal sugar, this banana bread serves as a smart breakfast or afternoon snack that satisfies sweet cravings while supporting balanced nutrition.

Ingredients List for Walnut Banana Bread

• Bananas: Ripe, soft bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Almond Milk: A dairy-free liquid that helps bind ingredients and create a smooth batter.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps keep the bread moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps activate baking soda for better rise and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.

• All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: Provide structure and density to the banana bread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise.
• Salt: Balances and enhances other flavors in the recipe.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the banana and add depth to the bread.

• Walnuts: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and healthy fats to the bread.
• Rolled Oats: Provides additional texture and a wholesome element to the topping.

Baking Instructions for Wholesome Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F and gently brush a 9×5-inch loaf pan with olive oil, ensuring every corner gets a light coating.

Step 2: Create the Wet Mixture

• Mashed ripe bananas
• Sugar
• Almond milk
• Olive oil
• Vanilla extract
• Apple cider vinegar

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, harmonious blend.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour blend
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined – avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Add Nutty Goodness

Carefully fold in chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 7: Create a Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts and rolled oats across the top of the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 42 to 50 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and savor your homemade banana walnut bread!

Wholesome Walnut Banana Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Wholesome Walnut Banana Bread delivers classic comfort with a nutty twist. Moist crumb and rich walnut flavor create a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat you’ll savor to the last delicious slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) whole wheat pastry flour
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) almond flour
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) coconut sugar, or regular sugar
• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed (1 cup or 240 ml)

Wet Ingredients:

• 0.75 cups (180 ml) almond milk, or any milk
• 0.33 cups (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, more for brushing
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 1.5 tablespoons rolled oats

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and delicately brush a 9×5-inch (23×13-centimeter) loaf pan with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly mash ripe bananas and blend with granulated sugar, unsweetened almond milk, olive oil, pure vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and uniform.
3. Simultaneously, in a separate bowl, meticulously sift and whisk whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg to guarantee even ingredient distribution.
4. Gently merge wet and dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent gluten development, stopping when ingredients are just incorporated.
5. Carefully introduce chopped walnuts into the batter, folding softly to maintain an even texture throughout the mixture.
6. Eloquently transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface.
7. Adorn the top of the batter with additional roughly chopped walnuts and rolled oats to create a rustic, crunchy topping.
8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 52 minutes, periodically checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without wet batter clinging to it.

Notes

• Dive into a delightful journey of transforming overripe bananas into a moist, nutty bread that celebrates wholesome ingredients.
• Walnuts add a delicious crunch and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this bread more than just a sweet treat.
• Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this recipe works magic with simple pantry staples you likely already have.
• Feel free to swap almond milk with any plant-based or dairy milk to customize this adaptable bread recipe.
• Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg