Nutty Banana Bread Recipe

Baking with kids is fun AND educational! Teach them healthy habits while they practice their mathematical, reading and motor skills.

Bruce the Banana Slug loves nuts! Not only are they crunchy and delicious, they are GOOD for you. Click here to learn more about our Slimy friend, Bruce!

Make it mathematical! Baking involves simple measurements that can help your little one learn about fractions and proportions. Whether you double the recipe or just add two 1/2 teaspoons to make a whole, add a dash of math into the experience. Learning hands-on helps kids really understand a concept. Depending on your little one(s) age, you can even get into the chemistry and ask why you have to add baking soda to the recipe.

Make it collaborative! Invite a friend over or have siblings work together as you follow the recipe. Taking turns is an important lesson for kids to learn and baking is a great way to put it into practice. Have one child add one ingredient and the other add the next. Have them figure out which measuring cup to use and help each other mix it all up! Teamwork is a valuable lesson at any age.

Don’t forget to teach them Chipper’s Tip on Healthy Eating Habits:

Healthy before sweet, can’t be beat!”

BANANA BREAD

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INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (4-5)

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter or nonstick spray a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan or miniature Bundt pan for shorter bake time; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts, and pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.

4. Enjoy! 🙂

What’s your favorite Banana recipe? Share with Chipper in the comments below!