As I took a deep breath, the intoxicating aroma of hazelnuts and ripe bananas began to fill my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. This Hazelnut Banana Bread isn’t just any loaf—it’s a delightful twist on a classic that transforms your everyday baking. With its moist texture and satisfying crunch, it makes for the perfect breakfast option or a wholesome snack to power you through those afternoon slumps. By incorporating nutritious hazelnuts, this recipe not only boosts flavor but offers a healthier alternative to typical desserts, giving you a guilt-free treat anytime you desire. Are you ready to indulge in this cozy, comforting slice? Let’s dive into the bliss of baking! What makes this bread irresistible? Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy hazelnuts creates a mouthwatering taste that elevates your palate. Moist & Tender: This Hazelnut Banana Bread guarantees a soft texture, making every slice melt-in-your-mouth delightful. Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a simple baking process, you can whip up this masterpiece in no time. Healthy Twist: Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence perfect for breakfast or an energizing snack. Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap nuts or add spices, allowing you to customize each loaf to suit your mood! For another delicious option, check out these Banana Pudding Rice treats. Enjoy the deliciousness and watch your loved ones flock to the kitchen for seconds! Hazelnut Banana Bread Ingredients For the Bread Ripe Bananas – Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. Granulated Sugar – Regular sugar adds sweetness; consider substituting with honey for a healthier twist. Egg – Acts as a binding agent; replace with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly version. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; opt for pure vanilla for a richer aroma. Melted Butter – Brings richness; can be substituted with melted coconut oil or vegan butter. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; use almond or oat flour for a gluten-free alternative. Baking Soda – Essential leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for an excellent rise. Salt – Enhances overall flavor; sea salt or kosher salt are great choices. Chopped Hazelnuts – Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness; walnuts or pecans can be used if desired. Embrace your home baking adventure with this Hazelnut Banana Bread recipe, and get ready for a delicious treat! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hazelnut Banana Bread Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your Hazelnut Banana Bread bakes evenly and rises perfectly. While your oven heats up, prepare your baking pan by greasing a standard loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Step 2: Mash the Bananas In a large mixing bowl, take 2-3 ripe bananas and mash them until smooth, with no chunks remaining. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a fork or potato masher. The more overripe the bananas, the sweeter and moister your Hazelnut Banana Bread will be, providing that luscious texture we all love. Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Next, add ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Pour in ½ cup of melted butter, ensuring it’s cool to prevent cooking the egg. Stir the mixture well until fully combined, creating a fragrant and smooth batter that serves as the base for your delicious bread. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture will provide structure to your Hazelnut Banana Bread. Once whisked, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix as this can lead to a denser texture. Step 5: Fold in Hazelnuts Now, add ½ cup of chopped hazelnuts to your batter, folding them in gently. This step not only enhances flavor but also adds that delightful crunch in every slice. Mixing just until incorporated ensures the hazelnuts are evenly distributed without compromising the lightness of your batter. Step 6: Bake the Bread Pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know your Hazelnut Banana Bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, revealing a beautifully risen loaf with a golden-brown crust. Step 7: Cool the Bread Once baked, carefully remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove without breaking. After cooling, transfer your Hazelnut Banana Bread to a wire rack to cool completely, filling your home with its rich, nutty aroma. Hazelnut Banana Bread Variations Feel free to get creative and make this Hazelnut Banana Bread even more special with these delightful twists! Nut-Free: Substitute hazelnuts with sunflower seeds for a safe and crunchy alternative, perfect for school lunches. The added seeds will still deliver a satisfying crunch without the nuts. Vegan Option: Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg and swap melted butter for coconut oil to keep it plant-based. This variation keeps all the moistness while catering to a vegan diet. Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor that dances on your palate. These spices can take the cozy vibes of your bread to the next level! Chocolate Lovers: Mix in a half cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat that balances beautifully with the hazelnuts. Just imagine each slice revealing melty chocolate goodness! Fruit-Filled: Toss in some chopped dried fruit like cranberries or apricots to add a chewy texture and a burst of tartness that complements the sweetness of bananas beautifully. Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free blend. This simple change lets everyone enjoy a slice, regardless of dietary needs. Moisture Boost: For extra moistness, add a couple of tablespoons of yogurt or applesauce into your wet mix. This not only adds moisture but also a subtle flavor that enhances the banana bread. Sweet Swaps: Try replacing granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey for a naturally sweetened version. This adds depth to the flavor while keeping things wholesome. For more sweet temptation ideas, consider making these scrumptious Banana Pudding Rice treats for a delightful dessert. Experimentation in the kitchen is a beautiful, tasty process—happy baking! What to Serve with Amazing Hazelnut Banana Bread? As the warm, nutty scent of baked goodness fills your home, it’s the perfect time to think about what you’ll pair with this delightful treat. Creamy Cream Cheese: Spreading a layer of velvety cream cheese adds a tangy richness that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the bread. It elevates each bite, making it feel decadent. Fresh Berries: A handful of juicy berries complements the warm flavors with their refreshing acidity. They add a pop of color and nutrients, enhancing your breakfast table. Nutty Granola: Sprinkling granola over a slice adds a satisfying crunch and additional fiber. The mixed flavors of nuts and oats will harmonize perfectly with the hazelnuts in the banana bread. Smooth Greek Yogurt: A dollop of thick, creamy Greek yogurt gives a luscious texture while boosting protein content. This duo makes for a balanced and nourishing snack or breakfast. Coffee or Espresso: Pair with a hot cup of brewed coffee or a rich espresso for a delightful morning treat. The deep coffee notes accentuate the nuttiness of the hazelnuts, creating a harmonious flavor experience. Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the bread introduces a sweet touch that pairs wonderfully with the hazelnuts. It transforms your loaf into an indulgent dessert, satisfying any sweet cravings. Make your Hazelnut Banana Bread experience even more memorable with these delicious pairings! Expert Tips for Hazelnut Banana Bread • Use Overripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are very ripe to maximize sweetness and moisture; this is essential for the best Hazelnut Banana Bread. • Mind the Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter; mixing just until combined preserves the light, fluffy texture of the bread. • Check Baking Soda Freshness: Always use fresh baking soda for the right rise; old baking soda can lead to dense loaves. • Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes to set, which helps prevent breaking upon removal. • Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap hazelnuts for walnuts or pecans; each nut variety delivers a unique flavor in your Hazelnut Banana Bread. How to Store and Freeze Hazelnut Banana Bread • Room Temperature: Store your cooled Hazelnut Banana Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and ready to enjoy anytime. • Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can keep the bread in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to maintain moisture. • Freezer: For extended storage, slice the bread and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. You can freeze these slices for up to 3 months. • Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Hazelnut Banana Bread, simply thaw the slices in the fridge overnight, or pop them in a toaster oven for a quick warm-up, enhancing those delightful nutty flavors! Make Ahead Options Preparing your Hazelnut Banana Bread in advance is a fantastic way to save time during busy mornings or special gatherings! You can mash the ripe bananas and mix them with the sugar, egg, and vanilla up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. You can also pre-measure the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) and keep them in a separate bowl or container until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to enjoy your delicious bread, just fold in the hazelnuts, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, and bake as instructed for that warm, nutty aroma that’ll fill your kitchen! Hazelnut Banana Bread Recipe FAQs What type of bananas should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! For the most flavorful Hazelnut Banana Bread, overripe bananas are the star of the show. Look for bananas with dark spots all over the peel; this indicates maximum sweetness and moisture, resulting in a beautifully moist loaf. How should I store my Hazelnut Banana Bread? You can keep your Hazelnut Banana Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, just make sure it’s well-wrapped to retain its moisture. Can I freeze Hazelnut Banana Bread? Yes, you can! To freeze your Hazelnut Banana Bread, allow it to cool completely, then slice it into individual servings. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it in a toaster oven for a quick warm-up. What if my Hazelnut Banana Bread is too dense? If your Hazelnut Banana Bread turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just incorporated. Another culprit could be old baking soda, which doesn’t provide enough lift. Always check your baking soda for freshness before starting your bake! Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Indeed! If you have nut allergies or are serving guests who might, you can simply substitute chopped hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans in this Hazelnut Banana Bread recipe. Additionally, feel free to use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan variant, making it a versatile choice for all dietary needs. Can I customize this recipe further? Very! This Hazelnut Banana Bread is quite forgiving. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming kick, or even fold in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Know that the more variations you try, the tastier it gets! Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t hesitate to reach out with more questions! Delicious Hazelnut Banana Bread for Your Cozy Mornings This Hazelnut Banana Bread combines ripe bananas and hazelnuts for a delightful breakfast or snack, offering a healthier indulgence. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Bread3 large Ripe Bananas Use overripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Regular sugar; can substitute with honey.1 large Egg Can replace with a flax egg for a vegan version.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Opt for pure vanilla for richer aroma.1/2 cup Melted Butter Can substitute with melted coconut oil or vegan butter.1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour Use almond or oat flour for gluten-free.1 teaspoon Baking Soda Ensure fresh for best rise.1/2 teaspoon Salt Sea salt or kosher salt are great choices.1/2 cup Chopped Hazelnuts Can substitute walnuts or pecans. Equipment Loaf panMixing BowlFork or Potato MasherWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan.Mash 2-3 ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.Mix ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the mashed bananas. Then add ½ cup melted butter and stir until combined.Whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.Fold in ½ cup chopped hazelnuts into the batter gently.Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 6mg NotesUsing overripe bananas enhances sweetness and moisture. Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain fluffiness. Always check the freshness of the baking soda for the right rise. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
