Perfectly Moist Pecan Banana Bread: A Gluten-Free & Vegan Delight
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly moist and flavorful banana bread, generously studded with crunchy pecans. It’s so irresistibly delicious, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice!
This delightful recipe and post are proudly sponsored by the American Pecan Council! All opinions, enthusiasm, and text are 100% mine. Your support of the brands that collaborate with Jessica in the Kitchen helps us continue creating delicious content!
There’s something undeniably magical about banana bread. The way the scent of sweet, ripe bananas transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven, signaling that a warm, comforting treat is baking. It’s a classic for a reason – incredibly simple to make, yet profoundly satisfying. You literally gather your ingredients, mix them in a bowl, pour into a pan, and let the oven do its work. It’s truly one of the easiest and most rewarding baking projects. In my household, banana bread is a perennial favorite, and as the holidays approach, I was inspired to elevate this beloved staple into something even more special and festive.
The Irresistible Allure of Pecan Banana Bread
As you can tell from the mouth-watering photographs, my holiday-inspired twist led me to create this magnificent Pecan Banana Bread. The addition of pecans isn’t just a simple ingredient swap; it’s a game-changer. These delightful nuts introduce a literal nutty boost, providing a wonderful textural contrast and a slight, satisfying crunch with every tender slice. The rich, buttery notes of pecans perfectly complement the sweet, fruity flavor of ripe bananas, creating a symphony of tastes that truly stands out. What I adore most is how effortlessly they integrate into the batter, making a significant difference without any extra fuss. For those who love to experiment, imagine adding a handful of vegan chocolate chips alongside the pecans, or even swirling in some homemade pecan butter for an extra layer of decadence. The possibilities are endless, but the core combination of banana and pecan is pure perfection.
Why Pecans are a Must-Have in Your Pantry
If you’ve followed my culinary adventures for a while, you’ve likely noticed my deep appreciation for pecans, featured in many of my recipes! I’m genuinely thrilled to be collaborating with American Pecans for this article. This partnership allows me to share with you the incredible benefits, remarkable versatility, and sheer wonder of this exceptional nut. Did you know that pecans are the only major tree nut native to America? This unique heritage makes them a truly special ingredient. Beyond their origin, their flavor is simply unparalleled. Whether enjoyed raw as a quick snack, lightly toasted to enhance their natural sweetness, or baked into delicious treats like this banana bread, pecans consistently deliver amazing taste and texture. They are a staple in my kitchen for a reason, and you’ll understand why once you try this recipe.
Supporting American Farmers Through Deliciousness: The Pecan-A-Thon and #PledgePecans
One of the most inspiring discoveries I’ve made through my partnership with American Pecans is the profound impact of choosing this native nut. Every time you savor a pecan, you’re directly supporting thousands of dedicated American farmers and their families. As someone who strongly believes in supporting local communities and sustainable agriculture, this fact resonated deeply with me. To celebrate this incredible connection and the unparalleled versatility of pecans, the American Pecan Council is hosting the first-ever Pecan-A-Thon. This promises to be an entertaining variety show, starring the talented actress and comedian Wendi McClendon Covey, and it’s designed to showcase pecans in all their glorious forms.
Mark your calendars! The show streams live on November 20th on the American Pecan Council website, so make sure to tune in for some fun and fantastic pecan inspiration. Of course, I’ll be sharing all the details on my Instagram and Facebook pages the moment it goes live, so you won’t miss a beat. They’ve also launched a brilliant initiative called #PledgePecans, which is a delightful promise to incorporate at least one pecan-friendly recipe, other than the traditional pecan pie, into your holiday spread. This simple pledge is a fantastic way to show your support for local pecan growers and their hard work. I absolutely love this idea – it’s a win-win situation! Not only does it help strengthen our local agricultural economy, but it also guarantees a uniquely delicious and diverse holiday table. So, by baking this divine Pecan Banana Bread, you’re not just creating a treat; you’re actively participating in the #PledgePecans movement. It’s truly a delicious way to make a difference!
Baking Tips for the Best Gluten-Free & Vegan Pecan Banana Bread
One of my favorite aspects of this particular Pecan Banana Bread recipe is that it’s completely gluten-free and vegan, yet you would never guess it! The careful selection and blending of ingredients create a texture and flavor profile that rivals any traditional banana bread. The key to its success lies in a few crucial details:
- Super Ripe Bananas are Essential: For the sweetest, most flavorful, and moist banana bread, always opt for bananas with skins that are heavily speckled or even mostly black. These bananas have developed maximum sweetness and are soft enough to mash easily, releasing all their natural sugars and moisture into the batter. This is non-negotiable for that signature banana bread taste.
- Handling Frozen Bananas: While I prefer using fresh, very ripe bananas due to their optimal moisture content, sometimes you only have frozen ones on hand. If using frozen-then-thawed bananas, be aware that they release a lot of liquid. To prevent a watery batter, simply mash them and then gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures your bread isn’t overly dense or gummy.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blends: Using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose baking flour mix is vital for achieving the perfect texture. These blends are formulated to mimic wheat flour as closely as possible, ensuring a light and tender crumb.
- Vegan Substitutions: This recipe cleverly uses flax eggs as a vegan egg substitute, which also adds a touch of healthy fats and binds the ingredients beautifully. For the yogurt, a thick, plain vegan yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) adds moisture and a subtle tang. If vegan yogurt isn’t available, full-fat canned coconut cream can be a wonderful substitute, lending richness and moisture.
I truly hope you enjoy baking and savoring this Pecan Banana Bread as much as I do. It’s destined to be a star on your holiday tables, or simply a delightful treat for any day of the week! Be sure to keep an eye out, as I’ll be sharing ANOTHER exciting recipe featuring American Pecans very soon. Here’s a little hint: it involves cookies!
Pecan Banana Bread
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces Gluten Free Baking Flour Mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 flax eggs, or 2 vegan egg substitutes
- 1 cup organic brown, or coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegan yogurt
- 3/4 cup mashed bananas, very ripe bananas – black skin if possible
- 1 cup raw pecan pieces, chopped
- Extra pecan pieces for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly flour and butter (or prepare with a vegan butter substitute and flour) your 9 x 5 inch banana bread pan. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour mix, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), combine the prepared flax eggs (or your chosen vegan egg replacer), sugar, and coconut oil. Mix on medium-low speed for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture is light and well integrated.
- Scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean (or add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract) into the mixture. Follow with the vegan yogurt and the mashed, very ripe bananas. Continue mixing on medium-low speed for another 2 minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are uniformly combined.
- Gradually add about half of the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix for 30 seconds until just combined, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix again for another 30 seconds, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a tough texture.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a spatula, gently fold the chopped raw pecan pieces into the batter until they are evenly distributed throughout. The batter should have a pleasantly thick consistency.
- Pour the prepared batter into your banana bread pan. Use your spatula to smooth the top surface evenly. For an extra touch of beauty and crunch, sprinkle additional pecan pieces over the top of the loaf.
- Bake the banana bread on the top rack of your preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not completely clean. Begin checking your banana bread around the 50-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. To transfer, place a wire rack on top of the pan, then carefully hold both sides of the pan and flip it over to release the bread. Gently hold the sides of the bread to turn it right side up onto the wire rack. Alternatively, you can invert the pan into your hand, then flip the bread right side up and place it on the rack.
- Allow the bread to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. This helps the bread set properly and prevents it from crumbling. Once cool, slice as desired and enjoy your delicious homemade Pecan Banana Bread!
Notes
If you can’t find vegan yogurt, you can use thick, full-fat cold coconut cream instead for a rich and moist result.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.