Banana Nut Bread with Whipped Honey Butter



I'm not a huge walnut fan... except when they are coated in caramelized goodness or in banana bread.  I am a firm believer in not limiting yourself to the norm- so, I once made this bread with peanuts.  On Mike's morning drive to work he called me (having left the house with a slice to have on the way to work...) :

Mike, 'are there peanuts in this?'
Me, 'Yes.'
Mike, 'In banana bread?  Peanuts in banana bread?'
Me, 'Yes.  I don't like walnuts, I didn't have any pecans, so I used peanuts.'
Mike, 'um... ok.  it's good.  i guess.  just strange to have peanuts in banana bread.  right?'

Here's the recipe with 'nuts' as an ingredient... go ahead, use whatever kind you want!

Loaf Pan & Parchment Paper (and my favorite baking supplies) available here >

Banana Nut Bread
with whipped honey butter

4 overripe bananas
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup nuts, finely chopped

Peel the bananas.  Mash them roughly with a fork - leaving some chunky pieces for texture.  Place half of them in a KitchenAid fitted with the whisk attachment.  Set aside the other half of the bananas.

Add sugar to the KitchenAid, whip them together for 3 minutes until a frothy mixture forms.  Add butter, eggs and vanilla.  Mix together until combined.  Add flour, soda, salt, remaining bananas and 1/3 cup of nuts.  Stir until just combined.  Do not over mix.

Pour into a greased and floured (or sprayed) loaf pan.  Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes to 1 hour.


Wrap the bread in parchment paper, add a little Whipped Honey Butter and you have a great gift!  Here are the step-by-step directions for creating the Breakfast Basket Gift.


Or... try the muffin version!













For more baking inspiration - see my mini Baking Pantry Upgrade... it will make you want to head to The Container Store!

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