Baking · Breakfast · Snack · American

Banana Bread With Toasted Macadamia Nuts

This banana bread recipe features a dense, moist crumb enriched with buttery toasted macadamia nuts for a sophisticated tropical flavor profile.

4.8(262 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Banana Bread With Toasted Macadamia Nuts — American Baking served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
1 h
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
10

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prep Work

  1. 1

    Toast the Nuts

    Place macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.

    Tip: Watch closely as macadamias have a high fat content and can burn quickly.

  2. 2

    Oven and Pan Setup

    Preheat your oven to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

How to Make Banana Bread With Toasted Macadamia Nuts

Total time: 1 h 15 min · Yields 10 servings

  1. 1

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in most of the toasted macadamia nuts, reserving a small handful for the top.

  2. 2

    Combine Wet Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, beating until fully incorporated. Fold in the mashed bananas.

  3. 3

    Fold the Batter

    Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain to ensure the bread stays tender.

  4. 4

    Bake the Loaf

    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining nuts on top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

  5. 5

    Cool and Serve

    Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice only once the bread has cooled significantly to maintain the structure.

Chef's Tips

  • Use bananas that are heavily spotted or completely black for the best sweetness and moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added, or the bread will become tough and rubbery.
  • For a cleaner slice, use a serrated bread knife.

What to Serve with Banana Bread With Toasted Macadamia Nuts

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Toasted with salted butter
  • Served alongside a flat white coffee
  • Lightly grilled and topped with vanilla bean ice cream

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Add 50g of white chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.

Variation

Substitute macadamia nuts with walnuts or pecans if preferred.

Variation

Add 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon for extra warmth.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 6 days. This loaf freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Why is my banana bread dry?

Dry bread usually results from overbaking or using too much flour. Always measure flour by weight if possible and check the loaf 5 minutes before the timer ends.

Can I use frozen bananas for this banana bread?

Yes, thaw them completely and include any liquid that leaches out, as it contains intense banana flavor and necessary moisture.

How do I know when the banana bread is finished baking?

The top should be dark golden brown with a visible crack. A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Why use sour cream in banana bread?

Sour cream adds acidity which reacts with the baking soda for a better lift, while the fat content ensures a very moist, tender crumb.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil, the egg with a flax egg, and the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

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