Best Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins

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### **Instructions for Best Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. **Mash the Bananas:**
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the easier this will be. You want about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of mashed bananas for the recipe.

3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to ensure your banana bread turns out light and moist.

4. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla:**
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:**
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

6. **Fold in the Bananas, Walnuts, and Raisins:**
Gently fold in the mashed bananas, chopped walnuts, and raisins. Stir until everything is evenly distributed in the batter.

7. **Pour the Batter into the Pan:**
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

8. **Bake the Banana Bread:**
Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread starts to brown too quickly on top, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

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

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### **Tips for Perfect Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins:**

– **Use Ripe Bananas:** The key to a moist and flavorful banana bread is using ripe bananas. The darker the banana peel, the better the flavor! Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and will make your bread more flavorful.

– **Add More Mix-Ins:** Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can substitute walnuts with pecans, or add chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a unique twist.

– **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing the batter can result in a dense loaf.

– **Check for Doneness:** Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of the loaf pan. Start checking for doneness after 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is ready.

– **Storage:** Once the banana bread is completely cool, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly before freezing.

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### **Why This Banana Bread is a Must-Try:**

This **Best Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins** is more than just a tasty snack; it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The moist banana bread is complemented by the crunch of walnuts and the natural sweetness of raisins, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast, a bake sale, or simply because you have a bunch of overripe bananas, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, grab those ripe bananas and get baking! This banana bread recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the humble banana in a whole new light. It’s sweet, nutty, comforting, and utterly irresistible.