Classic Banana Walnut Bread

Ingredients and Quantities

• 3 large ripe bananas (345g) - exactly 1½ cups mashed

• ½ cup vegetable oil (118ml) - neutral-flavoured (canola or corn)

• 2 large eggs (114g)

• 1 cup white granulated sugar (200g)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)

• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)

• 1 cup chopped walnuts (115g) - divided (¾ cup for batter, ¼ cup for topping)

 A combine of the above quantities yields approximately twelve slices

Preparation Process

Equipment Needed: 9×5-inch metal bread pan, measuring cups and spoons, large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, silicon spatula, cooling rack

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Prepare the base: Mash bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, oil, eggs, and sugar. Stir until fully blended.

3. Add dry ingredients: Mix in flour, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir until batter is just combined—avoid overmixing.

4. Fold in nuts: Add ¾ cup chopped walnuts to batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.

5. Prepare for baking: Pour batter into greased bread pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup walnuts over surface.

6. Bake: Place in preheated oven for 65-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

7. Cool properly: Allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing. Transfer to cooling rack and cool completely (1-2 hours) before slicing.

Nutrition Content (Per Slice)

• Calories: Approximately 285

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 18g

• Potassium: 180mg (from bananas)

• Healthy fats: From walnuts (omega-3 fatty acids)

Pro Variation Tips

Butter Substitute: Replace oil with ½ cup softened unsalted butter (115g) for richer flavor and slightly denser texture.

Spice Enhancement: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for warm spice notes.

Chocolate Twist: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips along with the walnuts.

Healthier Version: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or replace ¼ cup sugar with applesauce.

Gluten-Free Option: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage Tip: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ripeness Matters: The more spotted and softer your bananas, the sweeter and more flavourful your bread will be.

Concluding Thoughts

In my travels as an aid worker, I learned that food is more than sustenance—it's connection, comfort, and hope. This banana walnut bread embodies that truth, transforming simple ingredients into something that nourishes both body and soul. Like the scripture reminds us in Isaiah 55:10-11, just as rain and snow water the earth to bring forth bread, may this humble recipe bring forth sweetness in your home and warm memories around your table.

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the Sower and bread to the eater..." - Isaiah 55:10

Classic Banana Walnut Bread

Introduction

As a former aid worker who has wandered through countless kitchens across the globe, I've discovered that some recipes transcend borders and bring comfort wherever they're shared. This banana walnut bread holds a special place in my heart—it's warm, nutty aroma and tender crumb have been a source of solace during long days in the field and a bridge of hospitality when words weren't enough.

History of the Cuisine

Banana bread emerged during the Great Depression of the 1930s as a testament to American resourcefulness and the principle of waste not, want not. As home bakers sought ways to use overripe bananas rather than discard them, this humble quick bread became a symbol of making something beautiful from what might otherwise be lost. The addition of walnuts elevated this depression-era staple into a beloved comfort food that has graced American tables for a century. It represents the ingenuity of home cooks who transformed necessity into nourishment, creating a tradition that continues to bring families together around the kitchen table.

Adios Amigo.....till we bake again

With love from the Wayfarer's kitchen