Banana Pecan Bread is a moist and flavorful treat that combines the richness of bananas, the crunch of pecans, and the sweetness of maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite.
Banana Pecan Bread
Why This Banana Pecan Bread Is the Best
- Moist and Flavorful: The banana bread is incredibly moist and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the nutty crunch of pecans.
- Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting adds a rich and sweet flavor, enhancing the taste of the banana bread.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be made with minimal effort.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a festive breakfast, or simply craving a sweet treat, Banana Pecan Bread is the perfect choice. The combination of moist banana bread, crunchy pecans, and sweet frosting makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Banana Pecan Bread
- Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the sweetness of the bananas and maple syrup.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides moisture, richness, and a tender crumb, helping to carry the flavors throughout the bread.
- Soft Brown Sugar (packed): Adds sweetness with a subtle molasses flavor, contributing to a moist and flavorful loaf.
- Eggs: Act as binding agents, providing structure and moisture to the bread while helping it rise.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the bread with a rich, earthy flavor that complements the bananas and adds moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a sweet and aromatic note, rounding out the other ingredients.
- Bananas (mashed): Bring moisture, natural sweetness, and a tender texture, as well as a lovely banana flavor that defines the bread.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the bread, giving it its form and texture.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that reacts with the acidity in the bananas and syrup, helping the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the bananas and pecans, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring the bread isn’t overly sweet.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese (cold): Provides a tangy, creamy base for the frosting, adding richness and balancing the sweetness with a slight tartness.
- Unsalted Butter (room temperature): Adds smoothness and richness, helping the frosting to be light and spreadable while enhancing the flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while contributing to its smooth, creamy texture.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a deep, sweet maple flavor to the frosting, enhancing the overall taste and complementing the bread.
- Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the maple and cream cheese flavors, adding depth to the frosting.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Pecan Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and moisture, use overripe bananas with brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the banana bread to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting sets well.
- Generous Frosting: Spread the frosting generously on top of the bread and garnish with whole pecans for a beautiful finish.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy Banana Pecan Bread with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat.
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Glass of Milk: A cold glass of milk complements the sweet flavors of the bread perfectly.
- With a Sprinkle of Cinnamon: Dust the top with a bit of cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth.
- With a Side of Yogurt: Serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Banana Pecan Bread. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Moist, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious bread recipes!
Banana Pecan Bread
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a festive breakfast, or simply craving a sweet treat, Banana Pecan Bread is the perfect choice. The combination of moist banana bread, crunchy pecans, and sweet frosting makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans 115 grams
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature, 115 grams
- ⅓ cup soft brown sugar 70 grams, packed
- ½ cup pure maple syrup 120ml
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 210 grams
- 2 large eggs
- 3 medium or 2 large bananas mashed, 250-275 grams peeled weight, 1 cup mashed
- 1 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tsp baking soda bicarbonate of soda
- ½ Tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ fine sea salt
For the frosting:
- 5 Tbsp cream cheese cold (see notes), 75 grams
- 2 ½ Tbsp unsalted butter room temperature, 35 grams
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- ⅛ Tsp fine sea salt
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar icing sugar, 175 grams
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or a loaf pan liner.
- Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-8 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool completely.
- Place ½ cup of the cooled pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely ground, being careful not to over-process into butter. Roughly chop the remaining pecans and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides as needed. Then, add the maple syrup, vanilla, and mashed bananas, mixing until everything is smooth and combined.
- In a medium bowl, mix the ground pecans, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Then, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Start checking at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center—it should come out clean. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes at a time until done. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the banana bread is cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and salt, then continue beating until light and fluffy, scraping the sides as needed.
- Once the bread is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans and drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Fridge: If you've used the maple cream cheese frosting, store the banana bread in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Be sure to wrap it well to keep it fresh. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices (for quicker defrosting) or the whole loaf. Avoid freezing it with frosting. The banana bread will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Room Temperature: If unfrosted, you can store the banana bread at room temperature for 3-4 days, wrapped tightly. If frosted, or if your home is humid, store it in the fridge.Pin this delicious recipe on Pinterest to save and share with your foodie friends
Banana Pecan Bread