This Maple Pecan Banana Bread is a warm and cozy treat! With sweet ripe bananas, crunchy pecans, and a touch of maple flavor, it’s like a hug in a slice.
Whenever I make this, my kitchen smells amazing! I love to enjoy a piece with a cup of coffee, perfect for breakfast or a snack. And let’s be honest, it’s too good to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. The browner, the better! If you have overripe bananas that you can’t use right away, you can freeze them for future baking.
Pecans: Chopped pecans really enhance the bread. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives. You can also use walnuts for a similar crunch.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and moisture. If you’re out of it, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar effect.
Maple Extract: This is optional but adds a nice touch. If you don’t have it, feel free to skip it; the banana flavor will still shine through. For a twist, consider using almond extract instead!
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread Stays Moist?
Moisture is key for a delicious banana bread! Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your bananas are really ripe – their starch turns into sugars which keeps the bread moist.
- Don’t overmix the batter when you add the flour. This prevents toughness in the bread.
- Check your bread at the 60-minute mark. Ovens can vary, so be sure to test with a toothpick to avoid drying it out.
How to Make Maple Pecan Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Additional chopped pecans for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-65 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes of cooling time. So, in total, expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes until you can enjoy a warm slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help the bread come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with your mashed bananas. Use a fork or a whisk to blend them together until well combined. You want those bananas nicely mixed to give the bread a moist texture.
3. Add the Other Ingredients:
Next, stir in the baking soda and a pinch of salt. Then, add in the brown sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract if you’re using it. Mix these together until everything is nice and smooth. Remember, no need to overmix!
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps; overmixing can make the bread tough.
5. Add the Pecans:
Now, fold in the chopped pecans into the batter. Set aside a few pecans to sprinkle on top later for added crunch and decoration.
6. Get Ready to Bake!
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved pecans over the top for a nice finishing touch.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your bread is done!
8. Cool and Prepare the Glaze:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if necessary.
9. Drizzle and Serve:
When the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle some more chopped pecans for garnish if you’d like. Now, it’s time to slice and enjoy your homemade maple pecan banana bread!
Can I Use Different Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them up to similar sizes as you would pecans. If you want to skip nuts altogether, the bread will still be delicious without them!
What Can I Substitute for Maple Extract?
If you don’t have maple extract on hand, you can simply omit it for a lighter flavor. Alternatively, you could use an equal amount of extra vanilla extract or a splash of maple syrup, keeping in mind that this may change the consistency slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it out at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the melted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Make sure to check that your powdered sugar is dairy-free as well, which most brands are. Enjoy your dairy-free banana bread guilt-free!
