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Few treats rival the comforting aroma of banana bread fresh out of the oven. This maple-kissed version elevates a classic favorite and introduces a nutty crunch topping for extra texture. Plus, it’s perfect for using up those overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup sugar (brown, white, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Optional: extra handful of walnuts for topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, maple syrup, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture looks evenly combined.
Fold in the mashed bananas. Gently add in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined—be cautious not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts. The batter should be slightly thick with bits of banana throughout.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. If desired, sprinkle an extra handful of walnuts over the surface for a decorative—and crunchy—touch. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are OK).
Let your banana bread rest in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice thickly for best results, and enjoy with an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you like things sweet.
This banana bread is a crowd-pleaser for brunches, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and homey. The walnut crunch adds texture while the maple syrup enhances the bananas’ natural sweetness. You can easily substitute the walnuts for pecans or skip nuts altogether if you have allergies. For a lighter take, try using half whole-wheat flour or reducing the sugar. However you choose to make it, you’ll end up with a slice of nostalgia that’s warm, comforting, and perfect with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
