Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Walnuts and Raisins: Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Tips and Shortcuts
- Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe as they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Quick Ripening: If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or a ripe tomato.
- Freezing Bananas: If you have overripe bananas but aren’t ready to bake, peel and freeze them for later use.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
- Different Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap the raisins for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or any other dried fruit of your choice.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced variation.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave before serving.