Easy Banana Nut Bagels

My friend Amy shared her Banana Nut Bagels recipe with me during the 2020 lockdowns, and since then, these easy Banana Nut Bagels have been baked, tested, and trusted in my kitchen countless times.

It’s a simple homemade bagel recipe that’s perfect for beginners, adaptable to whatever you have on hand like ripe bananas and your favorite nuts and it doesn’t require any special equipment.

During that time, home baking felt like a lifeline for so many families, and this recipe was my way of showing that homemade bagels don’t have to be complicated or intimidating.

They bake up with a beautiful golden crust on the outside and a soft, chewy center inside. Simple, comforting, and ready in about an hour, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Craving cozy homemade bread? Try these moms favorites next Homemade Onion Bagels and Homemade Bagels.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

Before you start, make sure you have :

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or potato masher for bananas
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Clean surface for kneading
• Large pot for boiling bagels
• Slotted spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Clean kitchen towel
• Cooling rack

Tips for Banana Nut Bagels

– Yeast is what makes your bagels rise and become soft inside. When activating yeast, your milk should be warm but not hot. Think of comfortable bath water temperature.

– Boiling the bagels before baking is what makes them real bagels instead of just round bread rolls. When you boil them in water with baking soda, the outside sets quickly and creates that classic chewy crust.

– It can be tempting to slice into a fresh bagel right out of the oven because it smells amazing. However, letting them cool for at least 15–20 minutes helps the inside finish setting. If you cut too soon, the inside may feel slightly gummy.

What to Eat with Banana Nut Bagels ??

I love serving them lightly toasted with butter or cream cheese alongside a warm plate of Scrambled Eggs for a balanced, comforting start to the day.

To round things out, I’ll often serve them with a chilled glass of Banana Milk or even a fun Strawberry Milk for the kids.

Ingredients you need to make Banana Nut Bagels :

– Ripe bananas are the star of these bagels and bring natural sweetness plus moisture.

– Bread flour gives the bagels structure and that classic chewy texture.

– Yeast helps the dough rise and creates a light interior while keeping the outside slightly dense.

– Warm water or milk hydrates the dough and helps everything come together smoothly.

– Brown sugar or honey adds sweetness and complements the banana flavor beautifully.

• Optional : oats or coarse sugar sprinkled on top add texture and bakery-style appeal.

How to Make Banana Nut Bagels :

Step 1

The first step is to in a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. You will see bubbles forming. That means the yeast is alive and ready to help your bagels rise.

Moving forward mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay. Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the bananas and stir well.

Step 2

As you move along add the banana mixture into the yeast mixture. Stir gently. Then add salt and chopped nuts. Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour. If it feels too dry, add one tablespoon of milk at a time.

Step 3

Once that’s ready place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead it by pushing it away from you, folding it back, and turning it. Do this for about 8–10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and stretchy.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4

Moving forward after rising, gently punch down the dough to remove air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape.

Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rest for 20–30 minutes.

Step 5

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). As you go along bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda. Carefully drop 1–2 bagels at a time into the boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds on each side. This step gives bagels their chewy outside.

Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on baking sheet.

Step 6

Flow into brush tops with beaten egg if using. Sprinkle extra nuts on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Wrap it up by let cool on a rack before slicing.

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