There’s something irresistible about a loaf of warm, moist banana bread fresh out of the oven. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings back childhood memories and fills your home with an aroma that says, “Welcome.” This particular banana bread is a game-changer, featuring the classic flavor you love with a twist of crunchy hazelnuts and the warm spice of cinnamon. Best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make and comes out perfectly every time.
A Bite of Banana Bread History
Banana bread as we know it has humble beginnings, born out of necessity during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Back then, throwing away overripe bananas was unthinkable, so home bakers got creative, turning their spotted fruit into golden loaves of sweet bread. It became a staple, and over the decades, variations have emerged, including nutty, chocolatey, and spiced renditions.
One iconic spot for banana bread lovers is the Banana Bread Stand in Maui, Hawaii, where tourists and locals alike line up for slices of the moistest, most flavorful loaves imaginable. While this recipe isn’t from Maui, it captures the same spirit of simplicity and decadence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana bread is perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or whenever you find a few overripe bananas on your counter. The hazelnuts add a nutty crunch that complements the soft, tender crumb, and the cinnamon brings a cozy warmth to every bite. If hazelnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them for walnuts or pecans—both are excellent options that pair wonderfully with the banana and cinnamon flavors. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for an easy homemade treat.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas: The spottier and browner, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and make the bread ultra moist.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Toast the Nuts: Lightly toasting the hazelnuts (or walnuts or pecans) before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and no sticking.
Can You Freeze Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Banana bread freezes beautifully, whether it’s a whole loaf or individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick treat.
Storing Banana Bread
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
🍌🍌 Fun Banana Facts 🍌🍌
- Bananas are technically berries, but they grow on plants that are considered giant herbs.
- Over 100 billion bananas are consumed globally each year, making them one of the most popular fruits in the world.
- The beloved banana bread recipe skyrocketed in popularity after being featured in early 20th-century cookbooks by brands like Pillsbury and Chiquita.
Toppings and Variations
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but why not jazz it up? Try spreading a bit of salted butter, cream cheese, or Nutella on a warm slice. For an extra indulgence, drizzle it with caramel sauce or top it with whipped cream.
Want to experiment? Swap the hazelnuts for walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips. You could also add a handful of dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, for a chewy twist.
Ready to Bake?
This quick and easy moist banana bread with hazelnuts and cinnamon is everything you want in a homemade baked treat: simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re sharing it with family, gifting it to friends, or keeping it all for yourself (we won’t judge!), this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So grab those bananas, preheat the oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible scent of fresh banana bread. Happy baking! 🍌
Quick and Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Description
This moist and flavorful banana bread combines the warmth of cinnamon with the crunch of hazelnuts for a truly irresistible treat. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans, it’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to bake a loaf that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease your pan with baking spray or butter.
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Combine mashed bananas and melted butter in a larger mixing bowl. Once well mixed add sugar, egg, and vanilla to the mix.
Use a spatula, mixer or wooden spoon to combine the batter.
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Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt over the batter and mix until all the flour is gone. Then add hazelnuts or any nuts you prefer and gently fold them into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Bake for 50 - 60 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Take it out of the oven and let stand for about 5-10 minutes.
Take the loaf out of the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Let cool completely.
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Start slicing away and enjoy!
This batter can also be used to make banana nut muffins. Baking time for that would be 20 to 25 minutes depending on your oven or muffin tin.
