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Nutty Banana Pecan Bread is the ultimate comfort food that transforms overripe bananas into a delightfully moist, nut-packed treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet banana flavor, crunchy pecans, and warm spices. As someone who’s experimented with countless Homemade Banana Bread variations, I can confidently say this version—with its generous pecan topping and tender crumb—stands out as a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Overripe Bananas: No more tossing brown bananas! This recipe makes the most of their natural sweetness.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to be gluten-free, vegan, or lower in sugar.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Stays moist for days and freezes beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits
While banana bread isn’t exactly a health food, this recipe strikes a balance between indulgence and nourishment. Bananas provide potassium and fiber, pecans add heart-healthy fats, and using whole-grain flour boosts protein. Compared to traditional sugar-laden versions, this Healthy Banana Bread uses smarter ingredient swaps without sacrificing flavor.
| Nutrition Facts (per slice) | |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 245 |
| Carbohydrates: | 32g |
| Protein: | 4g |
| Fat: | 12g |
| Fiber: | 3g |
| Sugar: | 14g |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe bananas (1 cup mashed) | Sweetness, moisture, binding | Unsweetened applesauce (for lower sugar) |
| Pecans (¾ cup chopped) | Crunch, nutty flavor | Walnuts, almonds, or omit for nut-free |
| All-purpose flour | Structure | Whole wheat, gluten-free 1:1 blend |
| Coconut sugar | Sweetness | Brown sugar, maple syrup, or monk fruit (for keto) |
| Greek yogurt | Moisture, tenderness | Sour cream, buttermilk, or dairy-free yogurt |
Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk 1½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter with ¾ cup coconut sugar until fluffy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, then 1 tsp vanilla.
- Combine: Fold in 1 cup mashed bananas and ¼ cup Greek yogurt. Gently mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Stir in ½ cup pecans.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan. Top with remaining pecans. Bake 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
This Nutty Banana Pecan Bread captures the essence of classic Best Banana Bread while adding a delightful crunch. The key to its moisture? Avoiding overmixing and using ripe bananas.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
- Too Dry? Overbaking is the usual culprit. Check at 50 minutes; if browning too fast, tent with foil.
- Dense Texture: Ensure baking soda is fresh, and don’t overmix after adding flour.
- Extra Moisture: For Super Moist Banana Bread, add 1/4 cup crushed pineapple or zucchini.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or toast slices straight from the freezer.
- Meal Prep: Double the batch and freeze one loaf for busy weeks.
Conclusion
Whether you’re using up spotty bananas or craving cozy baking therapy, this Nutty Banana Pecan Bread ticks all the boxes. It’s versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a snack—and guaranteed to become your new favorite among Banana Dessert Recipes. For another wholesome bake, try our savory Homemade Banana Bread pairing ideas!
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
How ripe should bananas be?
The blacker, the better! They should smell strongly sweet and mash easily.
Is there a keto version?
Yes! Substitute flour with almond/coconut flour blend, use erythritol, and reduce bananas to ½ cup. Check out our Keto Banana Bread guide for details.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Of course! Fold in ½ cup dark chocolate chips with the pecans.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Nutty Banana Pecan Bread inspiration!
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