Bramble & Butter Magazine

Great Grandma’s Banana Bread

Rich, moist, and infused with deep flavors of espresso and warm spices, this banana bread is the ultimate comfort treat. Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, while the combination of brown sugar, vanilla, vanilla bean paste, and ripe bananas creates a perfectly balanced sweetness. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this loaf is sure to be a household favorite. Want to make it nut-free? Simply omit the pecans—this bread is just as delicious without them!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup melted unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan
• 1 cup of chopped pecans (omit nuts if preferred)
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup buttermilk, sour cream, or yogurt
• ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 Teaspoon of vanilla bean paste
• 4 soft, very ripe, darkly speckled medium bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
  

Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 8-by-4-inch loaf pan and set aside.
   
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pecans (if using), granulated sugar, baking soda, espresso powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
   
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in the mashed bananas.
   
4. Gently fold the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
   

Bake the Banana Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and lightly tap it on the counter to evenly distribute.
   
2. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   

Cool & Serve

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
   
2. Slice and enjoy warm, plain, or with a spread of butter for extra indulgence!
   

Enjoy!

This espresso banana bread is a perfect balance of rich, nutty, and warmly spiced flavors. Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat. Whether you keep the pecans or go nut-free, this loaf is guaranteed to be a hit! Add some chocolate chips to the batter for that special sweet surprise. ☕🍌✨