Banana Nut Bread – Moist, Classic & Easy
Banana Nut Bread: Your Go-To Recipe for Cozy Comfort!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
Welcome to Your New Favorite Banana Nut Bread Recipe!
Oh, the humble, browning banana! It sits on your counter, whispering promises of deliciousness, and today, we’re answering its call. Forget complicated desserts; this Banana Nut Bread recipe is pure, unadulterated comfort in every slice. It’s a timeless classic, a warm hug from your oven, and the perfect way to transform those overripe beauties into a moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful loaf. The subtle sweetness of the bananas combined with the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will make your kitchen smell like a dream.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Nut Bread
- Effortlessly Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean even beginner bakers can achieve perfection.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm slice with your morning coffee or a cozy afternoon tea.
- Perfect for Ripe Bananas: It’s the best way to prevent food waste and turn overlooked fruit into a star.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, it disappears quickly at potlucks, brunches, or family gatherings.
What You’ll Need
Key Ingredients
The magic of this Banana Nut Bread truly lies in its simplicity and the quality of a few star ingredients. Make sure your bananas are truly ripe—the darker the spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be! And for the “nut” part, fresh walnuts add an incredible texture and earthy flavor that complements the sweet banana beautifully.
Full Ingredient List
- 2-3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed (~1 cup)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping (optional)
How to Make Banana Nut Bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash Bananas: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash your very ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough Banana Nut Bread.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. If desired, sprinkle a few extra walnuts on top of the batter in the loaf pan.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing warm bread is tempting, but waiting ensures it holds together perfectly.
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Nut Bread
- Use VERY RIPE Bananas: This is crucial for sweetness and moisture. The browner, the better!
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your bread tough. Mix until just combined.
- Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg incorporates better into the batter, leading to a smoother, more uniform texture.
- Test for Doneness: A skewer or toothpick is your best friend. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), your bread is done.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark!) with the walnuts for an extra treat.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add wonderful warmth to your loaf.
- Streusel Topping: For an extra decadent touch, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 tablespoon cold butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over the batter before baking.
- Nut Variations: Swap walnuts for pecans or a mix of your favorite nuts.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warm with a pat of butter, a dollop of cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It’s also fantastic plain with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Freezing
Your homemade Banana Nut Bread will stay fresh at room temperature, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire loaf. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or oven.
Reader Reviews
Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is a game-changer! My kids devoured it in one day. So moist and the walnuts add the perfect crunch. Definitely my new go-to banana bread!”
Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I always have overripe bananas and finally tried this. It was super easy and came out perfectly. The taste reminds me of my grandma’s baking. Five stars!”
Jessica P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely delicious! I added a handful of chocolate chips along with the walnuts, and it was heavenly. Great instructions, very clear and helpful.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My bananas aren’t ripe enough. What can I do?
A: You can quick-ripen bananas by baking them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until their peels are black and shiny. Let them cool before mashing.
Q: Can I make this recipe into muffins?
A: Yes! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling cups about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
A: This can happen if the bread is underbaked, if too much leavening agent was used, or if the oven door was opened too early during baking. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover slices?
A: Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to 3 months.
Ready to Bake Your Own Batch of Happiness?
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Banana Nut Bread that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you have those spotty bananas begging to be used, this recipe delivers pure comfort and joy. The aroma alone will make you smile, and that first bite of moist, sweet bread with crunchy walnuts? Unforgettable. Happy baking, friends!
Recipe Note:
Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents a dense loaf.
