Delicious Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Add Walnuts and Raisins: Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Spatula
• Wire rack

Tips and Shortcuts

• Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe as they add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Quick Ripening: If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or a ripe tomato.
• Freezing Bananas: If you have overripe bananas but aren’t ready to bake, peel and freeze them for later use.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
• Different Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap the raisins for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or any other dried fruit of your choice.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced variation.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave before serving.