This Walnut Banana Orange Bread is a delicious and moist treat that combines the sweet richness of ripe bananas with the refreshing zest of orange and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert. The balance of flavors makes it a unique twist on classic banana bread, with the added brightness of citrus.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Moist Texture: The combination of mashed bananas and orange juice ensures a soft, tender crumb.
- Nutrient-Rich: Walnuts add a boost of healthy fats and proteins.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it a great choice for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Walnut Banana Orange Bread:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and help it bake evenly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and chopped walnuts. Stir to distribute the walnuts evenly throughout the flour mixture.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well incorporated to form a smooth, even mixture.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
Helpful Tips:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe.
- Orange Zest: Be sure to zest only the outer orange layer of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Extra Add-Ins: You can add chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- This bread stays fresh for several days if stored properly. You can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a healthier version, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.
Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Yes! Simply pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at the same temperature for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Walnut Banana Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or toast them lightly.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this Walnut Banana Orange Bread, you’ll definitely enjoy these other baked delights:
- Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Cranberry Orange Bread
- Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf
- Zucchini Walnut Bread
Conclusion:
Walnut Banana Orange Bread is a delightful combination of sweet, citrusy, and nutty flavors, making it the perfect recipe for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen!
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Walnut Banana Orange Bread
Description
This Walnut Banana Orange Bread is a delicious and moist treat that combines the sweet richness of ripe bananas with the refreshing zest of orange and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert. The balance of flavors makes it a unique twist on classic banana bread, with the added brightness of citrus.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and help it bake evenly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and chopped walnuts. Stir to distribute the walnuts evenly throughout the flour mixture.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well incorporated to form a smooth, even mixture.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
Notes
- This bread stays fresh for several days if stored properly. You can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a healthier version, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
