Amazing Banana Nut Bagels: 8 Simple Steps

Banana nut bagels have officially stolen my heart, offering a delightful twist on classic banana bread that’s perfect for any morning. I remember the first time I tried a homemade version; the aroma of warm bananas and toasted walnuts filled my kitchen, promising a treat unlike any ordinary bagel. This easy banana nut bagel recipe delivers that same comforting, slightly sweet, and wonderfully nutty experience. They’re chewy on the inside with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch from the walnuts, making them an absolute must-try for breakfast or a snack. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Nut Bagel Recipe

You’ll adore these homemade bagels for so many reasons! They offer a fantastic balance of sweet, ripe banana flavor and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, creating a truly delicious treat. This easy banana nut bagel recipe is surprisingly quick, perfect for busy mornings. Plus, they’re a healthier breakfast option compared to many store-bought varieties, packed with wholesome ingredients. They’re budget-friendly to make at home, and the delightful taste makes them a huge hit with the whole family. Seriously, this easy banana nut bagel recipe is a winner!

Banana Nut Bagel Ingredients

Gathering the right banana nut bagel ingredients is key to achieving that perfect flavor and texture. You’ll need 1 ½ cups mashed overripe bananas – the riper, the sweeter! For the yeast, combine it with 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. In a separate bowl, mix 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup chopped walnuts for that essential nutty crunch, and 1 teaspoon salt. If you’re making them vegan, you can skip the optional 1 large egg for the wash. For a delightful topping, have 1 cup pearl sugar ready.

How to Make Banana Nut Bagels

Ready to dive into how to make banana nut bagels? It’s simpler than you might think! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your beautiful bagels don’t stick.

1. Step 1: In a measuring cup, combine 1 cup of warm water with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets nice and bubbly – that means the yeast is happy and active!
2. Step 2: While your yeast is blooming, mash up about 1 ½ cups of overripe bananas. The softer and browner they are, the sweeter your bagels will be! Mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with the mashed bananas.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of chopped walnuts for that delightful crunch, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This combination forms the base of our fantastic banana nut bagels.
4. Step 4: Make a little well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in that bubbly yeast mixture and the mashed banana mixture. Start stirring everything together with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough starts to form.
5. Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Now comes the fun part – kneading! Work the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. It should spring back slowly when you gently poke it.
6. Step 6: Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the kneaded dough inside, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Step 7: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then use your thumb or a chopstick to poke a hole through the center, creating that classic bagel shape. Let these rest for another 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Bring a large pot of water (about 6 cups) to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the boiling water. Carefully drop each bagel into the water, boiling for 1 minute on each side. This boiling step is crucial for that authentic chewy texture!
9. Step 9: Remove the boiled bagels from the water and place them on your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Step 10: If you’re using an egg wash (optional, for a golden sheen), lightly brush it over the bagels. Sprinkle generously with pearl sugar if desired for a sweet crunch. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Enjoy your amazing homemade banana nut bagels!

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Nut Bagels

Want to elevate your homemade bagels? Follow these expert tips for the ultimate banana nut bagels experience. Using very ripe bananas is non-negotiable; they provide the natural sweetness and moisture that makes these bagels so delicious. Don’t be tempted to skip the boiling step – it’s what gives bagels their signature chewy crust and shiny exterior. Also, be patient with the rising times; allowing the dough to develop properly is key to a great texture. For more baking inspiration, check out our collection of recipes.

What’s the secret to perfect banana nut bagels?

The secret to truly perfect banana nut bagels lies in using very ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture, and not skipping the boiling step. This process creates that classic chewy texture inside and out, making them the best banana nut bagels.

Can I make banana nut bagels ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the bagels and let them do their second rise, then cover them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before boiling and baking. This is a great meal prep strategy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with banana nut bagels?

A common mistake is using underripe bananas, which leads to bland bagels. Another is over-kneading the dough, which can make them tough. Finally, don’t boil the bagels for too long; just one minute per side is perfect. For more tips on baking, you might find resources on ingredient properties helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Banana Nut Bagels

These delightful bagels are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any banana nut bagel breakfast. For a classic treat, toast them lightly and spread generously with cream cheese. My personal favorite is a thick layer of banana nut cream cheese bagels – it’s like dessert for breakfast! You could also try them with a simple schmear of butter or even a drizzle of honey. They’re also fantastic alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a cup of coffee. The sweet, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like our fried meatballs.

Banana Nut Bagel Nutrition Facts

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delicious banana nut bagel. Remember, these are just estimates, and the actual values can vary based on the ripeness of your bananas and the specific brands of ingredients you use.

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy options, consider our zucchini noodle chicken alfredo.

How to Store and Reheat Banana Nut Bagels

Properly storing your delicious homemade banana nut bagels is key to preserving their wonderful flavor and texture. Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack, place them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. This helps maintain their chewy interior and prevents them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve made a big batch and want to enjoy that delightful banana nut bagel flavor for longer, freezing is your best bet. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop a frozen bagel into the toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before toasting. For other storage tips, you can refer to general food storage guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Nut Bagels

Got questions about these delicious baked goods? I’ve got answers!

What are banana nut bagels?

Banana nut bagels are a delightful fusion of classic banana bread flavors and the chewy texture of a traditional bagel. They typically incorporate mashed ripe bananas and chopped walnuts directly into the dough, creating a naturally sweet and nutty breakfast treat.

Why are banana nut bagels popular?

Their popularity stems from the irresistible combination of comforting banana bread flavors with the satisfying chew of a bagel. They’re a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas and offer a slightly healthier, more flavorful alternative to plain bagels, making them a favorite for a delicious banana nut bagel breakfast.

Can I freeze banana nut bagels?

Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap your banana nut bagels tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This helps preserve their wonderful banana nut bagel flavor. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before toasting or reheating. For more baking ideas, explore our Persian chicken recipe.

What are the best toppings for banana nut bagels?

While delicious on their own, they’re amazing with cream cheese for banana nut cream cheese bagels. A simple spread of butter, honey, or even a drizzle of maple syrup works wonderfully. For a more decadent treat, try them with a dollop of whipped cream cheese mixed with a little extra mashed banana and cinnamon. You might also enjoy our chicken meatballs with lemon orzo.

Variations of Banana Nut Bagels You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, get creative with these fun variations on banana nut bagels! For a vegan twist, simply omit the egg wash and use a plant-based milk or water for brushing. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, experiment with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture might be slightly different. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for spiced banana and walnut bagels. For an extra sweet treat, consider folding in a handful of chocolate chips or some dried cranberries along with the walnuts. These variations ensure there’s a perfect nutty banana bagel for everyone to enjoy! For another delicious chicken dish, check out our teriyaki chicken sheet pan supper.

Print