Banana Nut Amish Bread is a classic, homemade treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich crunch of walnuts or pecans, baked to moist perfection. This easy, old-fashioned banana bread recipe is inspired by traditional Amish baking, focusing on simple ingredients and wholesome flavors that bring comfort to every slice.
Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this quick bread fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma while delivering bakery-quality results at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Banana Nut Amish Bread recipe is a must-try for all banana bread lovers.
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What is Banana Nut Amish Bread?
Banana Nut Amish Bread – the name alone conjures images of cozy kitchens, simple living, and recipes passed down through generations. But why “Amish?” Did a humble baker in Lancaster County whip up this particular blend of bananas and nuts centuries ago? Maybe! Or maybe it just sounds darn wholesome and delicious, associating itself with the values of hard-working, home-style cooking (we’ve all done it before).
It could be simply the honest, homemade nature of this bread that connects it to the simple traditions of the Amish. Whatever the origin, this bread is a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, and simple preparation, can create something truly special. They say ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ and let me tell you, a slice of this warm Banana Nut Amish Bread is a direct route! Now, aren’t you just a little bit curious to try it for yourself?
Key Ingredients for Banana Nut Amish Bread:
Before we start, gather these ingredients—the simple joys that will transform into a loaf of mouthwatering goodness.
Ingredients:
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
How to Make Banana Nut Amish Bread
This recipe is wonderfully simple, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. It’s quick to prepare with a prep time of only 15 to 20 minutes, filling your kitchen with the sweet aroma of baking bananas and nuts. What sets it apart is its incredibly moist texture and delightful taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents the bread from sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Make sure there are no large clumps of banana.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Add Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped nuts (if using). This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing while still warm can cause the bread to crumble.
What to Serve Banana Nut Amish Bread With:
This Banana Nut Amish bread is fantastic all by itself, but here are some ideas to take it to the next level:
- Spread: A simple pat of butter, cream cheese, or even a smear of Nutella is divine.
- Drinks: A warm cup of coffee, tea, chai latte or a cold glass of milk complements the bread perfectly.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit for a light and refreshing meal. You can even enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert upgrade!
Top Tips for Perfecting Banana Nut Amish Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Brown or even black bananas are ideal!
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs helps them emulsify better into the batter, resulting in a smoother, more even texture.
- Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or even a mix of both.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra decadent treat, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: To keep your Banana Nut Amish Bread moist and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator. You can then warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a toaster oven. If you want to revive a slightly stale loaf, wrap it in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing whole: Bake as directed, allowing the bread to cool completely on wire rack. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze up to 3 months. To serve allow bread to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts:
This Banana Nut Amish Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of comfort, a taste of home, and a memory in the making. It’s an effortless recipe to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and let’s bake some happiness!
Looking for more classic Amish recipes and natural remedies? Check these out:
- Amish Friendship Bread Pancakes
- Muffins with Amish Starter
- Amish Bread Scones
- How to Freeze Amish Starter
- Fridge Storage for Amish Starter
- Low Sugar Amish Bread
- Applesauce Substitute in Amish Bread
- Oil Swap for Amish Loaf
- Classic Friendship Bread Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread
- Our latest posts on Medium – Discover more old-fashioned recipes and tips
- Follow us on Pinterest – Daily pins full of Amish goodness
- Best Amish Recipes for Easy Homemade Soups, Main Dishes & Desserts
Feel free to explore, save, and share your favorites – there’s a whole world of cozy, homemade magic waiting for you!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is the best choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a more nutty flavour profile. However, doing so could possibly also change the texture of the baked bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a good quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package. You might also need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can reduce it gradually until you match your preferred sweet level. It’s best to make note of how much sugar you use in your recipe
My bread came out dry. What did I do wrong?
Overbaking is the most common cause of dry banana bread. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and don’t overbake. Also, measuring the flour incorrectly (using too much) can also lead to dryness.
Banana Nut Amish Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
Description
Banana Nut Amish Bread is a moist, tender, homemade bread packed with the sweetness of ripe bananas, nutty crunch from walnuts or pecans, and a hint of cinnamon. This simple, comforting recipe delivers a bakery-style loaf right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk baking soda, salt, and flour together.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped nuts (optional).
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For the best flavor, use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots. Avoid slicing while too warm to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
i love this bread recipe