Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana walnut bread is both easy and incredibly moist thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt. The walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. It’s a healthier, flavorful twist on traditional banana bread, and it’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a lunchbox treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
2 eggs (at room temperature)
2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup agave syrup
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ cup walnuts (or other nuts like almonds or pecans)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C) and grease a loaf pan with non-stick spray.
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt, then set aside.
In another bowl, mash the bananas and mix with eggs, yogurt, agave syrup, and brown sugar until well combined.
Add the baking soda to the banana mixture, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. Stir lightly, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in the crushed walnuts, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with additional walnuts if desired.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Different nuts: Substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version.
Add-ins: For extra flavor, add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like cinnamon.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bread wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the loaf and thaw as needed. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid.

How can I prevent overmixing the batter?

Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Avoid stirring too much to keep the bread from becoming dense.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may differ slightly.

How do I ripen bananas quickly?

You can place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet in a 260°F (130°C) oven for 15 minutes to speed up the ripening process.

Can I use honey instead of agave syrup?

Yes, honey can be substituted for agave syrup in this recipe.

Is this banana bread healthier than traditional recipes?

This recipe uses Greek yogurt, which adds protein and moisture, while reducing the need for butter or oil.

Can I make this banana bread ahead of time?

Yes, banana walnut bread keeps well and can be made a day ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day!

Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?

Yes, sour cream is a suitable substitute for yogurt if needed.

How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store leftover banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.

How do I make this banana bread more decadent?

You can add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

This banana walnut bread is a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s moist, fluffy, and full of texture. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and is perfect for any time of day. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast or afternoon snack, this loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting.

Banana Walnut Bread

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This moist and flavorful banana walnut bread is made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and crunchy walnuts, offering a healthier twist on traditional banana bread. With a soft, fluffy interior and golden-brown exterior, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a lunchbox treat. Simple to make with pantry staples, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C) and grease a loaf pan with non-stick spray.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour and salt, and set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mash the bananas and mix with eggs, yogurt, agave syrup, and brown sugar until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the baking soda to the banana mixture, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. Stir lightly, being careful not to overmix.
Add Walnuts: Fold in the crushed walnuts, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with additional walnuts if desired.
Bake: Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

Nut Variations: Substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.

Vegan Option: Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs and opt for dairy-free yogurt to make this banana bread vegan.

Additional Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a dash of cinnamon to the batter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American