The Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread Recipe is soft, moist and comforting. It fills the kitchen with a warm smell. This bread uses ripe bananas and crunchy nuts.
Many people love this recipe for breakfast or snacks. If you want to learn how to make Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread, this guide helps you step by step.
The ingredients are simple and easy to find. Once baked, this bread tastes rich, sweet, and perfect with tea or coffee.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first baked this banana nut bread on a quiet weekend morning. I had overripe bananas on the counter. I did not want to waste them.
Mixing the batter felt relaxing and easy. While baking, the sweet banana smell spread everywhere. My family kept checking the oven.
When we sliced the bread, it was soft and golden. Everyone loved the nutty crunch. Since then, I bake it often for guests and family mornings.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Course: Breakfast / Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 290 kcal per slice
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or spoon
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. This helps remove the bread easily after baking.
2. Mash the Bananas
Place ripe bananas in a bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth. Small lumps are fine and add texture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla to bananas. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir gently until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
5. Add Nuts
Fold in chopped walnuts. Make sure nuts spread evenly through the batter.
6. Bake the Bread
Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Check with a toothpick.
7. Cool and Slice
Remove bread from oven. Let it cool for ten minutes. Slice and enjoy warm or cooled.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Toast walnuts for deeper nut flavor.
- Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Let bread cool before slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unripe bananas.
- Overbaking the bread.
- Skipping parchment paper.
- Adding too many nuts.
- Cutting bread while very hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread warm with butter. It tastes great with coffee or tea. You can also enjoy it plain as a snack.
Some people like it with honey or peanut butter. It works well for breakfast, lunch boxes or evening treats. This bread feels comforting and homemade every time.
Variations You Can Try
- Add chocolate chips for sweetness.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts.
- Add cinnamon for warm spice.
- Replace sugar with brown sugar.
- Add a banana slice on top before baking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for two days.
- Refrigerate for up to five days.
- Warm slices in microwave for ten seconds.
- Freeze slices for up to two months.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Health Benefits
Bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness. Walnuts add healthy fats and crunch. Homemade banana bread avoids preservatives. Using real ingredients keeps it fresh and satisfying.
When enjoyed in moderation, this bread fits into balanced eating. Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread brings comfort and nutrition together in one slice.
Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. This helps remove the bread easily after baking.
Mash the Bananas
- Place ripe bananas in a bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth. Small lumps are fine and add texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- Add melted butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla to bananas. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients
- Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir gently until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
Add Nuts
- Fold in chopped walnuts. Make sure nuts spread evenly through the batter.
Bake the Bread
- Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Check with a toothpick.
Cool and Slice
- Remove bread from oven. Let it cool for ten minutes. Slice and enjoy warm or cooled.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Toast walnuts for deeper nut flavor.
- Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Let bread cool before slicing.
FAQs about Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them fully and drain extra liquid before mashing. They add strong banana flavor.
Can I make this bread without nuts?
Yes, you can skip the nuts. The bread stays soft and flavorful without them.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Dry bread comes from overbaking or too much flour. Measure carefully and check early.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace half the flour with whole wheat. This keeps texture soft but adds fiber.
How do I know when banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread Recipe is simple and comforting. It uses easy steps and common ingredients.
If you want to know how to make Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread, this guide helps. The ingredients for Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread are pantry friendly.
This recipe brings warmth and joy to any kitchen. Once you bake it, you will want to make it again.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!