Banana Nut Bagels are a tasty treat that mix sweet bananas with crunchy nuts. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime!
Baking these is fun because your kitchen will smell amazing! I love to toast mine and spread a bit of cream cheese on top—so good! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe, spotty bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. If bananas aren’t available, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute to keep moisture, but the flavor will vary.
All-purpose flour: If you prefer whole wheat, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It changes the flavor and texture, but adds more nutrients!
Nuts: Walnuts bring a great crunch, but feel free to swap them with pecans, almonds, or even seeds if nut allergies are a concern. Just keep the amount the same!
Cinnamon: While it’s optional, cinnamon enhances the banana flavor wonderfully. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or replace it with a dash of nutmeg for a warm spice.
Egg wash: If you want to make this vegan, use non-dairy milk instead of the egg wash for a good shine. A bit of aquafaba (chickpea water) works well too!
What’s the Best Way to Knead Dough for Bagels?
Kneading is key to developing gluten, which gives bagels their chewy texture. Here’s how to knead properly:
- Flour your surface lightly to keep dough from sticking.
- Flatten the dough with your hands, fold it over itself, then push down and away with the heel of your palm.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Do this for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back when you poke it!
If the dough is sticky, add small amounts of flour, but don’t overdo it—too much flour can make bagels tough.
How to Make Delicious Banana Nut Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, enhances banana flavor)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or your choice of nuts (plus extra for topping)
For Boiling and Topping:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or additional chopped nuts for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 1.5 hours to rise. Plus, you’ll need around 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect about 2 hours from start to finish, and then you’ll have delicious homemade bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix together warm water, sugar or honey, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows that your yeast is working!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth. Then, add the foamy yeast mixture, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour to the banana mixture, stirring until a stiff dough forms. Then, mix in the chopped walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your thumb. Stretch the hole gently to form a bagel shape.
7. Rest the Bagels:
Place your shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them and let them rest for 15-20 minutes to rise slightly.
8. Preheat Oven and Boil Bagels:
While the bagels are resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil, then stir in the baking soda.
9. Boil the Bagels:
Boil the bagels a few at a time for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and return them to the baking sheet.
10. Egg Wash and Topping:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the bagels with this wash. Sprinkle additional chopped nuts or sesame seeds on top if you like!
11. Bake the Bagels:
Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and shiny. You’ll know they are ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
12. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Then, enjoy your fresh, homemade banana nut bagels!
Happy baking! Enjoy your delicious creation! 🍌🥯
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and mash more easily. Just be sure they are still safe to eat—look for brown spots and a soft texture.
What Can I Do if My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in small amounts of flour (one tablespoon at a time) while kneading until it becomes smooth and elastic. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the bagels tough!
Can I Make These Bagels Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels, then store them in the fridge overnight before boiling and baking. Just let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before boiling.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Just thaw them before enjoying!
