A delightful twist on the classic banana bread, this Walnut Banana Orange Bread combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas, zesty orange, and crunchy walnuts. It’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. The addition of orange juice and zest adds a refreshing citrusy note, making this bread a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

How to Make Walnut Banana Orange Bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix in the Bananas and Orange: Stir in the mashed bananas, orange juice, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the bread remains tender.
7. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Tips

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
• Orange Zest: Freshly grated orange zest gives the bread a vibrant citrus flavor. Be sure to avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
• Even Baking: If the top of the bread browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the bread may be denser.

2. Can I substitute the walnuts? Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make great alternatives, or you can omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.

3. How do I know when the bread is done? The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the Walnut Banana Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Walnut Banana Orange Bread with a cup of coffee or tea!