Banana Bread with Walnut and Maple Glaze

This delightful banana bread combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, enhanced with a touch of maple syrup for a sweet twist. Moist and flavorful, it's perfect for breakfast or a snack, and respects traditional baking methods while offering a unique glaze that elevates the classic recipe. It's vegetarian-friendly and can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk (or plant-based alternative)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
3. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the flour and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. While the bread is baking, prepare the maple glaze by mixing maple syrup with milk in a small bowl.
7. Once the bread is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Drizzle the maple glaze over the warm banana bread before slicing.