This Maple Pecan Banana Bread is a cozy delight! It combines ripe bananas, crunchy pecans, and a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness. It’s perfect with your morning coffee!
My favorite part? The warm, nutty aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes. I can’t resist sneaking a slice before it cools down! 🍌🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture. If you have overripe ones, they work best! If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can serve as a substitute, but you may need to adjust the sweetness.
Pecans: I love the crunch that pecans add! If you don’t have them, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives. For a nut-free version, you can skip the nuts altogether or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup brings a lovely flavor. If you’re in a pinch, honey or agave syrup can be used instead, although the taste will be slightly different. Regular sugar can also work, but you’ll miss that unique maple taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute can work well in this recipe.
Flour: While all-purpose flour is standard, you can use whole wheat flour for a denser bread. Gluten-free flour blends work too, just make sure they contain a binding agent!
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread is Moist and Soft?
A big part of achieving the right texture is in how you mix and bake your bread. Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. This is crucial as it can make the bread tough. Mix until just combined and you’ll have a lovely, moist loaf!
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe; they should be mostly brown.
- Mix wet ingredients smoothly before combining them with the dry ones.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not overbake, as this will dry out the bread.
- Let it cool in the pan for a bit before moving it to a wire rack to help retain moisture.
How to Make Maple Pecan Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Pecan Banana Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-60 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool a bit before enjoying it, so plan for some extra time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray so your bread won’t stick later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and the mashed bananas. Use a fork or a whisk to mix them together until they are well blended and smooth. This will be the base of your bread.
3. Add the Sweetness:
Next, add in the brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until the mixture is nice and smooth, making sure the eggs are well incorporated.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now, sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Gently fold in the flour until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
5. Fold in the Pecans:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, but remember to set aside a handful for topping later. This step adds a lovely crunch to your bread.
6. Pour and Top:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Then, sprinkle those reserved pecans evenly over the top for a nice finishing touch.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep the texture just right.
9. Make the Glaze:
While your bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Make it as thick or thin as you prefer by adding a bit more milk if needed.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice it up and enjoy your delightful Maple Pecan Banana Bread as a sweet snack or a cozy breakfast treat!
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts if you prefer. Just chop them finely, and adjust the quantity to your taste—it can even be a mix of your favorite nuts!
How Ripe Should the Bananas Be?
The riper, the better! Aim for bananas with dark spots or even completely brown peel. They should be soft and sweet, which ensures your banana bread is moist and flavorful.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) and using a plant-based butter or oil. The result will still be deliciously moist!
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftovers 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 for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying!
