This Maple Pecan Banana Bread is a cozy treat with sweet bananas and crunchy pecans. The maple syrup adds a lovely flavor that makes every bite special!
Nothing beats a warm slice right out of the oven. I like to slather on a bit of butter—just makes it even better! Who’s with me? 😋
It’s so simple to whip up! Just mash some bananas, mix everything together, and bake. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose ripe bananas with brown spots; they’ll be sweeter and easier to mash. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake them in the oven for a quicker ripening process.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the balance right in flavor. You could switch it for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a rich taste. If you’re out, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses or honey for similar sweetness and depth.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup gives a lovely flavor that complements the banana. If you need a substitute, try honey or agave syrup for a slightly different taste.
Pecans: These nuts add crunch and richness. Walnuts or almonds can work if you have nut allergies or don’t have pecans on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread Is Moist and Fluffy?
To get banana bread that’s not too dense, focus on blending the batter just enough. Here are the steps:
- Mix wet ingredients—bananas, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla—until well combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in dry ingredients, like flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing too much can make the bread hard.
- Add chopped pecans at the end to maintain their texture, ensuring they aren’t crushed.
Using overripe bananas and being gentle with the mixing will lead to a moist and fluffy result. Enjoy baking!
How to Make Maple Pecan Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Icing:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Extra chopped pecans for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Maple Pecan Banana Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for 10 minutes after baking, and then you can enjoy your delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan well so the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then pour in the melted butter and mix well together. You want everything to be blended nicely!
3. Add Sweetness and Flavor:
Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to your banana mixture. Stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Yum!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Carefully sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Stir this in to combine evenly. This helps the bread rise and gives it flavor!
5. Add the Flour:
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated. Be gentle with this step! Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
6. Fold in Pecans:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, but save a few to sprinkle on top later. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to your loaf!
7. Transfer to Pan and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Now, sprinkle the reserved pecans on top. It’s time for baking! Put it in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Ice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled bread. Top with some extra chopped pecans for a beautiful finish!
Enjoy your delicious Maple Pecan Banana Bread!
Can I Substitute the Pecans with Another Nut?
Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer. Just chop them up similarly to how you would the pecans, and fold them into the batter. If nut allergies are a concern, you can omit them entirely or use seeds like sunflower seeds for some crunch.
What If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
No worries! If you’re out of maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that honey will add a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
To keep your Maple Pecan Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer where it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this banana bread vegan! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and replace the butter with a plant-based buttery spread or coconut oil. The flavor will still be delightful!
