You’ll love the candied walnuts on this banana bread. Banana bread has been around since the depression. In the 1930’s food was so precious you didn’t even throw away an overripe banana. People would use an overripe banana to sweeten and flavor their baked goods. Banana bread was born.
Banana bread recipes have evolved over the decades. People have tried to add their own twist to banana bread recipes for years. Everything from changing up the spices, using a blend of different flours, adding the zest of an orange, a dollop of jam even adding coffee to the batter. All in an attempt to elevate a classic recipe that stands the test of time all on its’ own. Well why should I be any different?? LOL
My bananas weren’t ripe enough so I used frozen.
My bananas weren’t ripe enough so I used frozen. I’m not going to lie this was a total experiment for me. I had no idea if they would work. If you have ever frozen bananas you know they are not the most pleasant color when they start to thaw. They are also really soft and they release a lot of liquid or juice when they are thawing. I remembered reading a recipe where they microwaved the bananas to soften them and release their juices. Then they were reduced on the stove to enhance the banana flavor. Wish I could remember where I read that or did I dream it?
When thawing these bananas produced a lot of liquid, it reminded me of this technique so I decided to try it. It totaly worked!! I think this is the best banana bread I have ever made. The banana comes through loud and clear. It came together quickly with a whisk and a bowl so the clean up was easy. It is moist and yummy and I am so happy with how it turned out. I promise you it is worth the effort.
The topping on this bread is everything.
Sometimes it’s the little details that really bring the magic. Don’t skip the treatment of the top of this batter. It is truly what makes this bread special.
If I am being honest I don’t even really like walnuts. They have a bitter oily taste but I know they are actally really good for you so I try to use them occassionally. They are a natural compliment to bananas also, I mean they go together like peanut butter and jelly! The only way I can see myself enjoying them is if I candy them. I’m starting to think there is nothing better than a candied walnut so I’m super grateful that it’s an easy thing to do.
I suggest you take an entire bag of walnuts and candy them. Keep them in a mason jar and you can throw them in a salad, on top of yogurt or ice cream. Or you can put a row of them straight down the middle of this banana bread. They add so much to the flavor of this bread. In a good way. This nut that I don’t like at all has become one of my favorite toppings! Let’s do it…
Step by Step Banana Bread with Candied Walnuts
Banana Bread with Candied Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1¾ cup (263g) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 8 tbs unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup (165g) brown sugar
- 5 large, very ripe FROZEN bananas
- 1 very ripe banana, sliced
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp sugar (divided)
Instructions
- preheat oven to 350° spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper and spray again (optional)
- thaw 5 bananas in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, you should collect about ½-¾ of a cup of banana juice when they are thawed
- while bananas are thawing, put walnuts and 1½ tbsp sugar in a skillet over med heat until sugar has melted and walnuts are evenly coated, place on a piece of parchment to cool
- pour collected banana juice in a pot, over medium heat bring to a simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes
- add juice to bananas and mash until smooth
- add brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and melted butter until well combined
- sift together flour, baking soda and salt and add to bananas, stirring until just combined, don't overmix
- pour batter into prepared pan
- line the sides of the the batter with sliced bananas, sprinkle the candied walnuts down the middle between the sliced bananas, sprinkle remaining 1½ tsp sugar over the top of the whole loaf
- bake 55-70 min until baked through
- let cool and enjoy
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you enjoyed this post all about how you’ll love the candied walnuts on this banana bread! Let me know if you try this recipe and if you used frozen bananas or fresh!
I can’t wait to try this!!!