Banana nut bagels are a tasty twist on a breakfast favorite! Soft and chewy, they are filled with delicious banana flavor and crunchy nuts, making them perfect to enjoy in the morning.
It’s like a banana bread and bagel had a baby, and I’m totally here for it! I love to spread some cream cheese on mine for an extra treat. You should give it a try, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The key to flavor here. Use bananas that are very ripe for the best sweetness. If you don’t have bananas, you can try applesauce (about 1 cup) for moisture, but it will change the flavor.
Bread Flour: This flour gives the bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but they might be a bit softer.
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise. If you’re out of dry yeast, you could use instant yeast (the same amount) or even sourdough starter for a different flavor profile.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add great crunch. Feel free to swap for sliced almonds or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin if you want a nut-free option.
Cinnamon: This is for extra warmth. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can leave it out. Or add some nutmeg for a different spice twist!
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading the dough is crucial for bagels. This step develops the gluten, making the bagels chewy. Here’s how you do it:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Push the dough away with the palm of your hand and fold it back over itself.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat for about 8-10 minutes.
- The dough should feel smooth and elastic, but still slightly tacky. Don’t over-flour it!
If you find dough too sticky, add a little flour; just don’t add too much as it will make the bagels tougher.
Why Boil Bagels?
Boiling bagels gives them that characteristic chewy texture and shiny crust. Here’s what to remember:
- Use a large pot of water so the bagels can float freely.
- Adding baking soda to the water enhances the color and texture.
- Boil for 1 minute on each side, flipping carefully with a slotted spoon.
- Watch them closely; you want them puffed and set but not mushy!
This step is what makes homemade bagels so special and unlike any store-bought ones!
How to Make Delicious Banana Nut Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
For Boiling and Topping:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- 1 tbsp baking soda (for boiling water)
- Optional toppings: extra chopped nuts for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to rise, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for baking. Overall, you should set aside about 2 hours and 15 minutes to make these delicious bagels, which includes all the rising and baking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is awake and ready to work!
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Add the mashed bananas and the foam from your yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form.
3. Fold in the Nuts:
Now, add the chopped nuts to the dough. Carefully fold them in until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add more flour if it sticks too much.
5. Let It Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Bagels:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and gently stretch it to form the bagel shape.
7. Second Rise:
Place your shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat Your Oven:
While the bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking!
9. Boil the Bagels:
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add the baking soda. Boil the bagels, 2-3 at a time, for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Optional Toppings and Bake:
If you like, brush the tops of your bagels lightly with vegetable oil or melted butter. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped nuts on top for added flavor and crunch!
11. Bake:
Pop the bagels into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bagels cool on a wire rack for a bit before serving. Enjoy your homemade Banana Nut Bagels warm or toasted!
These bagels are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of bananas with the crunch of nuts. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Can I Use Green Bananas?
It’s best to use ripe bananas since they are sweeter and easier to mash. Green bananas will be starchy and may not provide the same flavor. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal taste!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky while kneading, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time. However, try to avoid adding too much—just enough to make it manageable and not overly dry.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just slice them in half and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. They can be toasted straight from the freezer!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or coconut for a twist. Just keep the total quantity similar to the original amount of nuts to maintain the dough’s balance.
