Homemade Banana Walnut Biscotti: The Ultimate Recipe for Overripe Bananas

This Banana Walnut Biscotti recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, reminiscent of your favorite banana bread with its sweet, comforting aroma. It’s not just a delicious treat; it’s also the perfect solution for those overripe bananas sitting patiently on your counter, waiting for their moment to shine.

As the seasons change and the holidays approach, our cravings often shift towards comforting, familiar flavors. While many gravitate towards pumpkin spice or gingerbread, there’s something truly timeless about the rich, sweet notes of banana and warm spices. This year, instead of reaching for the usual autumnal fare, I found myself drawn to the inviting scent of freshly baked banana bread, which ultimately inspired this unique Banana Walnut Biscotti.

It’s funny how inspiration strikes! I recently made a batch of banana bread, and the idea of transforming those beloved flavors into a sturdy, dippable cookie was simply irresistible. What I didn’t realize until later was that I had previously shared a pumpkin biscotti recipe – a total coincidence, but perhaps a sign that biscotti are indeed my go-to for cozy gatherings.

Biscotti, with their satisfying crunch and elegant form, are often associated with leisurely coffee breaks and intimate conversations with friends and family. Even for someone who doesn’t drink coffee past dinner, the ritual of enjoying a perfectly crisp biscotti remains a cherished one. Regardless of how “festive” you might be feeling, this Banana Walnut Biscotti is a recipe you can enjoy all year round, a delightful alternative to small batch banana muffins when you have those wonderfully ripened bananas.

The Magic of Overripe Bananas: Why They’re Essential for This Biscotti

Have you ever found yourself in a baking mood, only to realize your bananas aren’t quite ready? I’m usually one of those people who never has perfectly overripe bananas on hand; I often buy them specifically with baking in mind and then patiently (or impatiently!) wait for them to turn speckled brown. However, a recent stroke of luck led me to a discounted produce vendor, meaning my bananas only needed a day or two to reach their prime.

Overripe bananas are the secret ingredient to this biscotti’s incredible flavor and moist texture (before its second bake, of course!). As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, intensifying their sweetness and developing a deeper, more complex aroma. They also become softer, making them easier to mash and incorporate into dough, contributing essential moisture that keeps your biscotti from being too dry.

If you’re eager to bake this biscotti today but your bananas are still stubbornly green, don’t despair! You can speed up the ripening process by roasting them. Simply place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes, or until the peels are black and shiny. Let them cool, then scoop out the soft, sweet pulp. This trick, also useful for my banana bread, ensures you never have to wait for your baking craving to pass.

Why Biscotti Is the Perfect Treat (and Gift!)

Beyond their delightful taste, what I truly love about biscotti is their robust nature. Unlike many other delicate cookies, biscotti are incredibly sturdy, making them an ideal candidate for mailing to loved ones or packaging as a thoughtful homemade gift. Imagine wrapping a few of these delightful cookies alongside a gourmet hot cocoa mix or a selection of coffee packs, nestled inside a festive mug. It’s a personal, heartfelt gift that truly makes an impression.

Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t prefer a batch of delicious, homemade Banana Walnut Biscotti over another generic bottle of lotion or a scented candle? (No offense to lotions or candles, but sometimes you just want something you can eat!). Biscotti are a gift that offers warmth, comfort, and a moment of pure enjoyment, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a “thinking of you” gesture.

But these aren’t just holiday-exclusive cookies. The beauty of Banana Walnut Biscotti lies in its year-round appeal. As long as there are kitchens around the world with overripe bananas begging to be used, this banana-infused biscotti will always be in season, ready to bring a touch of homemade goodness to any day.

The Recipe: Banana Walnut Biscotti

Banana Walnut Biscotti

Yield:
1 dozen

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

This delightful Banana Walnut Biscotti recipe captures the essence of banana bread with its sweet, comforting aroma, offering a delicious way to utilize any overripe bananas you might have on your counter. Perfect for dunking!

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup mashed banana (1 medium overripe banana, around 5 ounces)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175°C). Line one cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
In another large bowl, beat together the eggs, mashed banana, and vanilla extract until smooth and thoroughly combined. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, beating until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Finally, gently stir in the chopped walnuts.
Lightly flour a clean surface and your hands. Remove the dough from the bowl and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive mass. Place the dough onto the prepared parchment paper and pat it out into a log, roughly 15 to 20 inches long by 5 to 6 inches wide, ensuring it’s no more than 1/2 inch high. If the dough feels too sticky, you may add a very small amount of additional flour. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the log is golden brown, set on the edges, and firm in the center. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 300F (150°C).
Allow the baked log to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for easy slicing. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the log into 3/4-inch-wide slices. Arrange these slices, cut-side down, back onto the cookie sheet. Return the biscotti to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm and crisp. Once baked, remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The biscotti will become even crisper as they cool.

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Source: Adapted from my pumpkin biscotti recipe

Tips for Perfect Banana Walnut Biscotti

Don’t Overmix: As with most baked goods, overmixing the dough can lead to a tough biscotti. Mix until just combined.
Achieve the Right Ripeness: Really brown, spotty bananas are your best friend here. The darker the spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your biscotti will be.
Serrate Your Knife: A sharp serrated knife is crucial for cleanly slicing the biscotti logs after the first bake. This prevents crumbling and ensures beautiful, even pieces.
Even Thickness: Try to make your dough log as even in thickness as possible. This ensures all your biscotti bake consistently during both rounds in the oven.
Store Properly: Once completely cooled, store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They stay fresh and crisp beautifully.
Customization is Key: Feel free to adjust the amount of walnuts or even swap them for pecans or chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Biscotti

Banana Walnut Biscotti is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

Classic Coffee Companion: Their firm texture makes them perfect for dunking into a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or even a creamy latte.
Tea Time Treat: Pair them with your favorite herbal or black tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
Milk & Cookies Reinvented: Serve with a cold glass of milk for a sophisticated take on a childhood favorite.
Dessert Crumble: Crush a few biscotti and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream or a banana pudding for added texture and flavor.
On-the-Go Snack: Pack them in your lunch bag or take them for a quick energy boost during a busy day.

Variations to Try

While this Banana Walnut Biscotti is wonderful on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative:

Chocolate Chip Bliss: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate with the walnuts for an extra layer of indulgence.
Spiced Delight: Amp up the cozy factor by adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients.
Glazed Finish: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, drizzle cooled biscotti with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk or lemon juice.
Nut-Free Option: If you prefer to skip the nuts, you can omit the walnuts or replace them with an equal amount of seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) or more chocolate chips.

Baking this Banana Walnut Biscotti is more than just following a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and your heart with the joy of creating something truly special. Whether you’re making them to savor yourself, share with loved ones, or give as a thoughtful gift, these biscotti are sure to be a hit. So grab those overripe bananas, preheat your oven, and prepare to bake a batch of pure deliciousness!

More Banana Recipes

Banana Cupcakes
Small Banana Cake
Banana Snack Cake
Banana Blondies
Banana Pancakes