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- 3 ripe bananas, well-mashed - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped - Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips You need three ripe bananas. Make sure they are well-mashed. Use half a cup of pure maple syrup for sweetness. Melt one-third cup of coconut oil for moisture. One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds great flavor. Use half a teaspoon of fine sea salt to balance the sweetness. Add one teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of baking powder for lift. For the base, use one and a half cups of all-purpose flour. Finally, fold in half a cup of coarsely chopped walnuts. If you like, add a quarter cup of dark chocolate chips for extra sweetness. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Instead of maple syrup, honey works well but changes the flavor. For coconut oil, you can use butter or vegetable oil. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. If you can’t find walnuts, pecans or almonds can be a good substitute. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bread bake evenly. Next, grab a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray or a thin layer of coconut oil. This step ensures that the bread comes out easily after baking. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. This should take just a few moments. Add in the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together well. You want a smooth mixture without lumps. Now, take your bowl with the banana mixture. Sprinkle in the fine sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir until they are mixed in. Next, slowly add the all-purpose flour. Use a spatula to fold this in gently. Be careful not to overmix. It’s okay if you see a few lumps. Once your batter is ready, fold in the chopped walnuts and any dark chocolate chips, if using. Pour this batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top so it looks nice. Bake it in the oven for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean, with just a few moist crumbs. After baking, take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before you slice it. This helps keep the bread moist and fluffy. Enjoy your homemade maple walnut banana bread! To get the best texture, use ripe bananas. The riper, the better. They should be soft and spotty. This will add natural sweetness and moisture. Next, do not overmix the batter. Mix just until combined. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the bread tough. Also, using coconut oil helps keep the bread moist. It adds a nice flavor too. To check if your banana bread is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it's ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake a bit longer. Keep an eye on the edges. They should be golden brown. If the top gets too dark, cover it with foil. This helps it cook evenly. For a lovely presentation, slice the banana bread evenly. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Arrange the slices on a wooden board. Drizzle some pure maple syrup on top for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped walnuts for a nice crunch. Serve it warm or at room temperature. This makes it inviting and tasty for all! {{image_4}} If you want to mix things up, try using different nuts in your banana bread. Pecans add a nice crunch and a rich flavor. Almonds can give a sweet, light touch. You could even use hazelnuts for a unique twist. Just remember to chop them coarsely, just like the walnuts. This keeps the texture nice and balanced. Spices can really enhance the flavor of your banana bread. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon brings warmth and sweetness. Nutmeg adds a cozy touch too. You can play with the amounts to find your perfect blend. A little spice goes a long way in making your bread taste special. For those who love chocolate, dark chocolate chips are a fantastic addition. They melt into the bread and add a sweet surprise. Use about 1/4 cup to keep it balanced. Just fold them in with the walnuts. This makes your banana bread even more delightful. Enjoy the blend of flavors! To keep your maple walnut banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. If you have leftover slices, you can wrap them in plastic wrap. This keeps them soft and tasty. Place the wrapped slices in a container or a resealable bag. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider the freezer. When you want to enjoy a slice of banana bread, reheating it is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 minutes. If you want a softer texture, wrap it in foil. This keeps it from getting too dry. You can also use a microwave. Heat the slice for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy it warm for a cozy treat. Freezing banana bread is a great way to save it for later. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure there are no air pockets. After wrapping, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date. Banana bread can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Or, leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Once thawed, mash them well. They will provide the same moisture and sweetness as fresh bananas. This is a great way to use overripe bananas you have stored in your freezer. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for blends that work well in baking. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. This will keep your banana bread soft and tasty. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use other oils. Vegetable oil or canola oil both work well. You can also use unsalted butter, melted. Each of these options will keep your banana bread moist and delicious. Banana bread can last about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. It can last up to a week that way. For even longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. In this post, we explored all you need for the perfect banana bread. We covered important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for great texture. I also shared variations to make your bread unique, along with storage options. Remember that practice makes perfect. Enjoy baking, and share your delicious results!

Maple Walnut Banana Bread

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Maple Walnut Banana Bread! This easy recipe combines ripe bananas and pure maple syrup for a sweet treat you’ll love. With hints of coconut oil and crunchy walnuts, it's perfect for breakfast or a snack. Bake a loaf in just over an hour and enjoy slices drizzled with extra maple syrup for a delicious finish. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this tasty bread today!
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Ingredients
  

3 ripe bananas, well-mashed

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan using non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of coconut oil for easy release.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the well-mashed bananas, pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

      Add the fine sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder to the banana mixture, stirring until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the wet mixture.

        Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the banana mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

          Carefully fold in the coarsely chopped walnuts and the optional dark chocolate chips, ensuring that they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.

            Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for a nice, even finish.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

                Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 75 mins | Servings: 8 slices

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, slice the banana bread into uniform pieces and arrange them on a rustic wooden board. To elevate the flavor, drizzle a little extra pure maple syrup on top of each slice, finishing with a sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts for extra crunch. This delicious bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature!