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- 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts - 1/4 cup rolled oats (for topping) - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping) - 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (for topping) - A pinch of sea salt (for topping) Measuring your ingredients is key for great banana bread. Use dry measuring cups for flour and oats. For liquids like maple syrup, use liquid measuring cups. Be sure to level off dry ingredients with a straight edge. This helps avoid dense bread. The essential ingredients are bananas, maple syrup, and flour. These give the bread its base flavor and texture. The walnuts add crunch and taste, while the spices enhance aroma. Optional ingredients include oats, brown sugar, and coconut oil for the topping. You can skip the topping if you want a simpler bread. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the bread bake evenly. While the oven heats, grab a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Grease the pan with cooking spray or a bit of coconut oil. This step stops the bread from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas. You need three ripe bananas for this. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth. Then, crack in two large eggs and add one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it blends well. In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with one teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This blend adds flavor and helps the bread rise. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet mix. Stir gently until no dry spots remain. Don’t overmix! Now, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. This adds a nice crunch to your bread. For the topping, grab a small bowl. Combine 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Add a pinch of sea salt for flavor. Mix until the oats are well coated. This topping gives a great texture to the bread. Now, pour the batter into your greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the crunchy topping over the batter evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious maple walnut banana bread! To get that perfect crunchy topping, mix rolled oats, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of sea salt. Make sure the oats are well-coated. This will give you a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft bread. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter before baking. This step is key for texture. Store your bananas at room temperature. Keep them in a spot that gets good air flow. Avoid putting them in the fridge too soon. The skins will darken, but the fruit inside stays firm. For faster ripening, place them in a paper bag. This traps ethylene gas, speeding up the process. To keep your banana bread moist, don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until you see no dry spots. Using ripe bananas is important too. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Also, don’t skip the coconut oil; it helps keep the bread tender. Slice the banana bread and serve it warm. A drizzle of maple syrup on top adds extra flavor. You can also sprinkle more walnuts for a nice touch. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. {{image_2}} If you need a nut-free option, use seeds instead of walnuts. Sunflower seeds work great. They add a nice crunch and a hint of flavor. Just fold in 1/2 cup of seeds into the batter. You can also try pumpkin seeds for a fun twist. For a gluten-free banana bread, switch to gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that include rice flour or almond flour. Use the same amount as the all-purpose flour in the recipe. This keeps the texture nice while avoiding gluten. Want to add more flavor? Try folding in chocolate chips or dried fruits. About 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips makes a sweet addition. For dried fruits, raisins or cranberries work well. This adds sweetness and a chewy texture to the bread. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors! To keep your maple walnut banana bread fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, place it in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for about a week. Just remember that refrigeration may change the texture slightly. If you want to save banana bread for later, freezing is your best bet. First, let it cool completely. Once cool, slice the bread into individual pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. You can freeze the bread for up to three months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, start by taking it out of the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a quick warm-up, you can use the microwave. Heat each slice for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer a crispier texture, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy it warm with a bit of butter or extra maple syrup! No, unripe bananas do not work well here. They lack the sweetness and softness ripe bananas provide. Ripe bananas are key for a moist and flavorful bread. Use bananas with brown spots for the best result. You can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute. Both add sweetness, but the flavor will change slightly. If you want to keep it vegan, agave syrup is a great choice. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. The edges will also pull away from the pan when it's done. Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to bake it when you're ready. This helps keep the bread fresh and tasty. Banana bread pairs well with coffee or tea. A warm cup of chai complements the spices nicely. For a sweeter option, try it with hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. Each drink brings out different flavors in the bread. Maple walnut banana bread combines rich flavors with simple steps. You learned about key ingredients, measurement tips, and how to achieve the perfect crunchy topping. I shared variations for dietary needs and ideas to keep your bread fresh. With these tips and tricks, you can bake banana bread that impresses everyone. Enjoy making this delicious treat, and don't hesitate to get creative as you bake!

Maple Walnut Banana Bread with Crunchy Topping

Savor the goodness of homemade Maple Walnut Banana Bread with a crunchy topping! This delightful recipe combines ripe bananas, rich maple syrup, and wholesome walnuts for a sweet treat that's perfect any time of day. Easy to follow and ready in just over an hour, this banana bread is sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and make your own slice of happiness today!
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Ingredients
  

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup rolled oats (for topping)

1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (for topping)

A pinch of sea salt (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Mix well until smooth.

      Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully integrated.

        In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine just until no dry spots remain. Do not overmix.

          Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

            Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

              For the crunchy topping, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Mix until the oats are evenly coated.

                Sprinkle the oat mixture over the top of the banana bread batter.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                    Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8 slices

                        - Presentation Tips: Slice the banana bread and serve on a wooden cutting board or platter. For added flair, drizzle with a bit of additional maple syrup and sprinkle with extra walnuts on top. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!