Banana walnut bread is a beloved treat that perfectly blends the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunchy texture of walnuts. In India, where vegetarian dishes reign supreme, this bread fits beautifully into the culinary landscape.
It’s a wholesome, comforting snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day, whether with a cup of chai or as a nutritious breakfast option. The recipe is simple, requiring everyday ingredients that you likely have at home, and it’s an excellent way to reduce food waste by using overripe bananas.
This banana walnut bread recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted to suit vegan preferences as well. It’s moist, flavorful, and filled with the warmth of Indian spices like cardamom, adding a subtle yet distinctive aroma.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Plus, it’s a fantastic introduction to Indian-style baking that incorporates traditional flavors with Western baking techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana walnut bread recipe stands out because it combines the rich, buttery flavor of walnuts with the natural sweetness of bananas, enhanced by a hint of aromatic Indian spices. It’s a healthier alternative to many store-bought breads, free from preservatives and artificial additives.
The texture is perfectly moist without being too dense, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or even as a base for a decadent dessert.
The recipe is also forgiving—if you want to swap walnuts for almonds or add raisins, it’s easy to customize without losing the essence of this classic treat.
Lastly, this bread aligns with Indian vegetarian cooking traditions, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of veg recipes of India. It’s a true comfort food that brings a fusion of cultures right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted ghee
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional for extra moisture)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Loaf pan (8×4 inch preferred)
- Whisk
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over low heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Add the brown sugar, vegetable oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix well until combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix as it will make the bread tough.
- Fold in the toasted walnuts, reserving a few for topping the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the reserved walnuts on top for a decorative crunch.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check at the 50-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cardamom powder.
You can replace walnuts with other nuts like almonds or pistachios depending on availability and preference. For a vegan version, substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt and use plant-based milk.
If you want a super moist loaf, add 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed pineapple to the batter. You can also fold in some dark chocolate chips or raisins for a sweet twist.
To make this bread gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check the baking powder’s gluten status.
For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts and add sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/10th of loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 12 g |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This banana walnut bread is delicious on its own or served warm with a pat of butter or ghee. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of masala chai or Indian filter coffee for a truly authentic experience.
For a richer treat, try topping a slice with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon or serve it alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. It also makes a great base for quick desserts—top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream from our Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs for a delightful fusion.
Looking for more bread recipes with a twist? Check out our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or try a sweet treat with the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.
Conclusion
Banana walnut bread is a timeless recipe that beautifully merges the wholesome goodness of fruit and nuts with subtle Indian flavors. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and yields a moist, aromatic loaf that is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this bread offers a comforting taste of home with every bite.
Its versatility means you can tailor it with your favorite nuts, spices, or add-ins, making it a perfect canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Plus, baking this bread is a wonderful way to bring a little Indian-inspired warmth and flavor into your everyday meals.
Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to continue your delicious culinary journey.
📖 Recipe Card: Banana Walnut Bread – Veg Recipes of India
Description: A moist and flavorful banana walnut bread with a hint of Indian spices. Perfect as a tea-time snack or breakfast treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup jaggery or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup yogurt (curd)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, jaggery, oil, yogurt, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix gently.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal per serving | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 30 g
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