Banana Bread Recipe with Toasted Walnuts and Raisins

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease the Pan:
   • Grease a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Toast the Walnuts:

3. Toast the Walnuts:
   • Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Batter:

4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
5. Mash the Bananas:
   • In a separate large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. It’s okay if there are some small lumps for added texture.
6. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
7. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
   • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

4. Fold in the Add-ins:

8. Add Walnuts and Raisins:
   • Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Bake the Banana Bread:

9. Pour the Batter:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

6. Cool and Serve:

11. Cool the Bread:
    • Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Slice and Serve:
    • Slice the banana bread and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or spread with butter.

Tips for Success:

• Ripe Bananas: Use bananas that are very ripe (with brown spots) for the sweetest and most flavorful bread.
• Soften Raisins: If your raisins are a bit dry, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter. Drain well before using.
• Customize Add-ins: Feel free to swap the raisins for chocolate chips or the walnuts for pecans depending on your preference.

Conclusion:

This Banana Bread with Toasted Walnuts and Raisins is a delightful twist on a classic recipe. The toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch, while the raisins add a burst of sweetness in every bite. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing—or enjoying all to yourself!