Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease your loaf pan with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy release after baking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until just melted. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Set this bowl aside.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas and dark brown sugar. Mix until well blended. Then, add the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 6: Add the Nuts: Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Transfer to the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar for a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness.
Step 8: Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious Banana Nut Bread!
