I remember the first time I baked Banana Nut Bagels at home—it was a true turning point in my search for simple comfort food that everyone in my family would actually enjoy. I was juggling a hectic week with after-school activities and work deadlines, and our usual rushed breakfasts felt so uninspired. The idea of bringing banana and nuts into a bagel was something I stumbled upon while scrolling through recipes, and I thought, why not?
I wasn’t sure if this combo would make a difference, but surprisingly, these Banana Nut Bagels quickly became a morning hit. My kids loved the hint of sweet banana mixed with the satisfying crunch of nuts, and my husband even commented on how these bagels had a cozy, homemade quality that made breakfast feel special. Honestly, this Banana Nut Bagels recipe fits right into my mission of feeding my family nourishing meals without the overwhelm. It’s a comforting, hearty start to our day that doesn’t require me standing over the stove forever.
If you’re a fellow comfort seeker in the chaos of family life, these Banana Nut Bagels might be exactly what you need. They bring a crispy bagel texture with a nutty, sweet twist that turns usual breakfasts into comforting moments. I’ve come a long way perfecting this recipe, learning what my family loves most about banana bagel recipe variations, and how to get that just-right chewy bite. So pour your coffee, and let’s talk about how these homemade banana bagels became a staple in my kitchen—and could become one in yours too.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s the simple, comfort-focused list for your Banana Nut Bagels:
- 3 ripe bananas (the softer, the better for flavor and moisture)
- 4 cups bread flour (for that classic chewy bagel foundation)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F to wake up the yeast)
- 2 tbsp honey (for natural sweetness and tender crumb)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (your nutty bagels key!)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but comforting)
- 1 egg white (for brushing to get that golden crust)
No worries if you don’t have bread flour on hand. I often swap in all-purpose—it works fine and gives a slightly softer feel to the Banana Nut Bagels. If nuts aren’t your favorite, chopped almonds add lovely texture, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. These ingredients are basics you’ll find right at your regular grocery store, which is a relief for busy moms who don’t want a scavenger hunt.
If you want to save time, mash your bananas the night before, and store in the fridge. It makes the morning baking smoother and keeps everyone happy. These bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture which means less added sugar, making your Banana Nut Bagels healthier and comforting without complexity.
I also add a sprinkle of nutmeg when I’m feeling fancy—it smells amazing baking and boosts the cozy factor. These Banana Nut Bagels prove that delicious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated, and trusting simple ingredients can create major comfort wins for your family.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Activate your yeast: Pour warm water into a bowl, mix in honey and yeast. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This means your Banana Nut Bagels have a good rise coming!
- Mash bananas: While yeast activates, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. This step brings that lovely moist texture to your banana bagel recipe.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Toss in the chopped nuts for that nutty bagel goodness.
- Combine wet and dry: Add mashed bananas and foamy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth but slightly sticky. Don’t stress if it’s a little sticky; that’s part of getting the right crispy bagel texture later.
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size. This is a perfect time to prep lunches or grab a coffee break.
- Shape your bagels: Punch down dough, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, poke a hole in the center with your finger, and gently stretch into a ring shape.
- Boil bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Lower heat to gentle boil. Drop bagels in, cooking 1-2 minutes on each side. This step is crucial for that characteristic bagel chew.
- Bake for golden finish: Place boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg white for shine. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and smell amazing.
I’ve learned timing is everything here—you want your Banana Nut Bagels crispy outside but soft and chewy inside. Don’t worry if your first batch looks a bit rustic; homemade banana bagels often do, and family tastes trump perfect looks any day!
Pro tip: While your bagels bake, prep your favorite breakfast toppings or tackle a quick family chore. This recipe fits nicely into busy mornings without stress.
If you love this chewy protein boost, you’ll want to try my Chewy Protein Bagels recipe next for more family-friendly baking fun!
How We Love to Eat This!

Our family routines revolve around quick, comforting breakfasts, and these Banana Nut Bagels rarely last long. The kids love them toasted with a smear of cream cheese and a drizzle of honey—sweet but satisfying! Adults in the house reach for avocado or peanut butter for a little savory richness.
For a kid-approved combo, serve these Banana Nut Bagels with fresh fruit and a glass of milk to start the day with balanced nutrition. Sometimes I warm up some scrambled eggs on the side for extra protein, making this a quick and complete meal.
These bagels also steal the show at weekend brunches. I bring them along with my Double Chocolate Banana Bread for a family table full of cozy vibes. Guests are always impressed by the nutty, sweet flavors and crispy bagel texture—it’s an unexpected but delicious treat they keep asking for.
Leftovers? No shame here. We slice and freeze bagels, then lightly toast them on school mornings. They taste almost as fresh and save me precious minutes.
Seasonal twists work wonders too—adding pumpkin spices in fall or a handful of dried cranberries for holiday cheer makes these Banana Nut Bagels feel festive without extra effort.
If you’re after vegan options, check out this Easy Vegan Tofu Bagels Recipe | Veggiekins Blog for a different take that still plays nicely with your comfort-food goals.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Banana Nut Bagels really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The combination of bananas, nuts, and chewy bagel dough gives a satisfying, energy-packed breakfast. My kids always feel ready to take on the school day after this.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Banana Nut Bagels?
Try serving it with their favorite spread or alongside fun sides. I’ve found that kids come around if the texture is familiar, so toasting them with a bit of butter or cream cheese helps ease the transition.
Can I meal prep this Banana Nut Bagels for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! These bagels freeze beautifully. Bake a batch on the weekend, freeze them in a sealed bag, and toast them straight from the freezer on busy mornings for quick comfort food.
Do I have to boil the bagels?
Boiling is key for the crispy bagel texture that sets these apart from regular bread. Skipping this step means softer bread-style rolls instead of traditional bagels.
Can I swap out the nuts for allergies?
Definitely. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower work well and add great crunch. Or leave nuts out entirely if allergies are a concern.
How long does the dough take to rise?
About 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm spot usually does the trick. If your house is chilly, try placing the bowl inside your oven (turned off) with a cup of hot water nearby to create cozy warmth.
Are there savory Banana Nut Bagels?
While this recipe is naturally sweet, you can try leaving out the cinnamon and honey, and topping with garlic parmesan or herbs. Inspired by some fun ideas in this Garlic parmesan and Worcestershire bagel chips recipes.
Wondering about flavor combos? This Who needs bagel seasoning on bananas? group had some hilarious and helpful discussions that might inspire your own twist.
Final Thoughts:
This Banana Nut Bagels recipe fits perfectly into my family’s comfort food goals by providing a cozy, approachable breakfast that’s far from ordinary. My Banana Nut Bagels Comfort Hacks:
- Always use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moist bagels.
- Don’t skip the boiling step—it’s the secret to that crispy bagel texture we all crave.
- Prepare dough the night before if mornings are a mad dash—it wakes up faster and tastes even better.
Our family’s favorite Banana Nut Bagels variations include adding a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise and swapping walnuts for pecans for extra crunch. My youngest loves the chocolate chip version, while my husband prefers classic nutty bagels with a smear of cream cheese.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own—from toppings to the type of nuts or spices used. Remember, there’s no perfect way to bring comfort to your family table, only your way.
I hope these Banana Nut Bagels bring you as much joy and sanity-saving comfort food moments as they have for me and my family. Baking, sharing, and enjoying simple meals together—even in the midst of busy days—is where the real magic happens.
Don’t forget to check out more easy comfort food to keep your family happy from our protein treats like Protein Banana Bread, for another hit that goes perfectly alongside your homemade banana bagels.
Here’s to many cozy mornings filled with warm, nutty smiles and homemade Banana Nut Bagels!
Banana Nut Bagels
Deliciously soft banana nut bagels that combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of toasted nuts, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
- Water and baking soda for boiling
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, oil, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add bread flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the toasted nuts evenly into the dough while kneading.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center to form bagels.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush each bagel with egg white for a shiny crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding raisins or substituting the nuts with pecans. Serve warm with cream cheese or honey.

