This Maple Pecan Banana Bread is a warm, comforting treat that combines sweet bananas, crunchy pecans, and a hint of maple syrup. It’s so easy to make, you’ll be baking it every week!
The smell of this bread baking will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery. I love having it with my morning coffee—it’s a great way to start the day with some sweetness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. You want them very soft with brown spots. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed things up by placing unripe bananas in a warm oven until darkened.
Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter for control over the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative if you prefer!
Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup: These give the bread its lovely sweetness. If you’re short on brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but adding a little molasses will replicate the flavor better.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add great texture and flavor. If you have nut allergies, try using pumpkin seeds or leave them out entirely for a nut-free variation.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the flavors here. If you want a twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for extra warmth!
How Do You Ensure Your Banana Bread Isn’t Too Dense?
To keep your banana bread light and moist, avoid overmixing the batter. This can develop gluten, leading to a denser loaf. Here are some tips to follow:
- Mix the wet ingredients first, then sprinkle the dry ingredients over it. This helps combine without overworking.
- Gently fold in the flour and chopped pecans until just combined; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
- Use a toothpick to test for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Following these steps will give you that perfect, tender banana bread texture!
Delicious Maple Pecan Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus additional for topping)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Maple Pecan Banana Bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-65 minutes to bake. Plus, let it cool for about 10 minutes after baking. The total time, including cooling, is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Perfect for a warm treat anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. Stir in the melted butter until it’s well combined. This will add richness to your bread!
3. Add Sugars and Egg:
Mix in the brown sugar and maple syrup until everything is incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and the beaten egg, stirring well so everything blends nicely together.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time for the baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon! Sprinkle them over the mixture, and stir it all together until combined. This will give your bread a lovely flavor.
5. Fold in Flour and Pecans:
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and chopped pecans. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should remain slightly lumpy. This will help keep the banana bread moist!
6. Pour and Top:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you’d like, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans on top for a delicious crunch.
7. Bake It Up:
Put your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
8. Cool the Bread:
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help keep it from getting soggy.
9. Make the Glaze:
While your bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. This will be your sweet glaze to drizzle on top!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice it up and enjoy each moist and flavorful bite of your Maple Pecan Banana Bread!
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or don’t have them on hand, you can substitute them with walnuts or even chocolate chips for a different flavor. Just keep the quantity the same at 1/2 cup, and mix them in gently at the end.
What If My Bananas Aren’t Ripe Enough?
No worries! You can ripen bananas quickly by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they’re dark and soft, then let them cool before mashing.
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftover Maple Pecan Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Egg-Free?
Yes! To make the bread egg-free, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before mixing it in with the wet ingredients.
