Banana Nut Bagels are a tasty treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with crunchy nuts. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack! Who doesn’t love a little nutty goodness?
Making these bagels is super fun! Just mix, shape, and bake. I enjoy them warm with a little cream cheese, it really hits the spot after a busy morning! 🍌🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: These are the star of the bagels! Make sure they’re fully ripe for the best flavor. If you’re out of bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce, about 1/2 cup per banana, though it will alter the taste a bit.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps your bagels rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use the same amount without needing to dissolve it first.
Bread Flour: I recommend using bread flour for its gluten content, giving the bagels a nice chewiness. If you prefer, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. If you don’t have it, just use more bread flour. The bagels will still turn out scrumptious!
Cinnamon: This ingredient is optional but adds warmth and spice. If you want a different flavor, try nutmeg or leave it out entirely.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts offer crunch and flavor. You can swap them for pecans or even seeds like sunflower seeds if you’re looking for a nut-free option.
How Do I Knead Dough Like a Pro?
Kneading the dough is essential for developing the gluten, giving your bagels that perfect chewy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Lightly flour your work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
- Use the heel of your hand to push the dough forward, then fold it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat for about 8-10 minutes. Add flour as needed to avoid stickiness.
- The dough should become smooth and elastic. A good test is to poke it gently; it should spring back slightly.
Take your time with this step, as it greatly impacts the final bagels!
How to Make Delicious Banana Nut Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour (optional, can use all bread flour)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (plus more for topping)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (for boiling water)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 1 to 1 ½ hours for the dough to rise. After that, you’ll spend around 30 minutes baking. So, overall, you should set aside about 2 hours to enjoy these freshly baked bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is happy and ready to work!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas and brown sugar. Add in the foamy yeast mixture and stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the flavorful base for your bagels.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the bread flour, whole wheat flour (if you’re using it), salt, and cinnamon (if you like a hint of spice). This mix is what gives your bagels structure and flavor.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir until combined. Then, knead in the chopped walnuts for that delightful crunch!
5. Knead the Dough:
Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed.
6. Let It Rise:
Put the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours or until it has doubled in size. This helps create that perfect bagel texture!
7. Shape the Bagels:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove excess air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center and stretch it into the classic bagel shape.
8. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will be the perfect spot for your boiled bagels to cool before baking.
9. Boil the Bagels:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add honey or sugar for a touch of sweetness. Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, cooking in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Top with Walnuts:
While the bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top to give them extra crunch and flavor.
11. Bake Your Bagels:
Pop your bagels into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Turn them halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly. You want them to be golden and delicious!
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bagels cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them fresh or toasted—either way, they’re a delightful treat!
Happy baking! Enjoy your homemade banana nut bagels!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, the riper the bananas, the better the flavor of the bagels. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even fully brown peels for maximum sweetness.
Can I Substitute Other Nuts?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Just chop them into small pieces before adding!
How Long Do Leftover Bagels Last?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them well! Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Yes! Since the recipe doesn’t include any eggs or dairy, it’s already quite vegan-friendly. Just ensure you’re using vegan sugar if desired and make sure the walnuts don’t contain any added non-vegan ingredients.
