Banana Bread With Dried Fruit And Nuts
There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread. This classic treat can be made in many different ways, but one of the most delicious variations is banana bread with dried fruit and nuts. This version is perfect for those who love the texture and flavor of nuts and dried fruits. This recipe is easy to make and is a great way to use up those ripe bananas that are sitting on your counter.
Ingredients Needed
To make banana bread with dried fruit and nuts, you'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (such as apricots or cranberries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Here's how to make banana bread with dried fruit and nuts:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs and mashed bananas, and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add the dried fruit, nuts, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve!
Tips For Making The Perfect Banana Bread
To make sure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't overmix the batter. Mixing too much can cause the bread to become tough and dense.
- Grease your loaf pan well to prevent sticking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing it. This allows the bread to set up properly and makes it easier to slice.
- Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Why You Should Make Banana Bread With Dried Fruit And Nuts
Banana bread with dried fruit and nuts is a great way to incorporate more healthy ingredients into your diet. Dried fruit and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and can help to improve your heart health and digestion. Plus, the combination of the sweet bananas, chewy dried fruit, and crunchy nuts creates a delicious texture and flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert!