Banana Nut Bread Recipe

The Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Golden banana nut bread revamps ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that warms both heart and kitchen.

Overripe bananas find their ultimate destiny in this tender, fragrant loaf packed with nutty goodness.

Sweet and hearty, the bread carries memories of grandmother’s loving touch and weekend morning comfort.

Soft crumbs studded with crunchy nut pieces create a delightful textural symphony in every slice.

The recipe brilliantly rescues forgotten fruit, turning potential waste into a delectable treat that sparks joy.

Wholesome and inviting, this classic quick bread promises satisfaction with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Prepare to fall in love with a slice that feels like a warm, delicious hug.

Banana Nut Bread: A Cozy, Sweet Treat for All Occasions

  • Savor Rich Comfort: This banana nut bread delivers warm, homey goodness with every slice, bringing comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.
  • Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from walnuts, this bread offers a nutritious treat that satisfies hunger and supports wellness.
  • Master Easy Baking: Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing even novice bakers to create a bakery-worthy treat with minimal effort.
  • Enjoy Versatile Snacking: Ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a late-night snack, this banana nut bread works magic at any time of day, making it a flexible and crowd-pleasing option for all occasions.

Key Ingredients for Making Moist Banana Nut Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the banana bread.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the banana bread.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and helps keep the bread moist.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the breads structure.
  • Bananas: Ripe, soft bananas offer natural sweetness and create a tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor to the bread.
Nuts and Mix-Ins:
  • Walnuts: Chopped nuts provide crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the banana bread.

How to Make the Perfect Banana Nut Bread from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Creamy Banana Base

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter with brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in:
  • Eggs
  • Mashed ripe bananas
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until all ingredients are completely incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour the banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a spatula, stirring just until the ingredients are moistened. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Carefully fold chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your homemade banana nut bread!

Tips for Ensuring Your Banana Nut Bread is Extra Fluffy

  • Ripen Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor.
  • Prevent Dry Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread moist and tender, stirring just until ingredients are combined.
  • Enhance Nut Flavor: Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty taste and aroma.
  • Check Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
  • Store Like a Pro: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 4 days at room temperature.

How to Keep Banana Nut Bread Fresh for Enjoyment Later

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Preserve moisture by adding a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess condensation.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a soft, tender texture. Alternatively, toast lightly in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the bread's delicate crumb.

Best Pairings to Serve with Banana Nut Bread

  • Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this warm, comforting banana nut bread with a rich medium-roast coffee that highlights the bread's nutty and sweet undertones, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Creamy Vanilla Complement: Serve alongside a cold glass of vanilla almond milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the bread's soft texture and amplify its natural sweetness.
  • Spread the Flavor Joy: Top slices with salted butter or a dollop of whipped honey cream cheese to add an extra layer of richness that complements the bread's moist crumb and walnut crunch.
  • Tea Time Upgrade: Match the bread with a smooth chai tea or Earl Grey, whose subtle spices will beautifully balance the banana's natural sweetness and the nuttiness of the walnuts.

Creative Twists on Banana Nut Bread You Should Try

  • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist. The melted chocolate creates rich pockets of sweetness throughout the classic banana bread.
  • Coconut Banana Walnut Bread: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded coconut on top before baking and mix an additional 1/4 cup into the batter for a tropical flavor profile that complements the nutty walnuts.
  • Spiced Banana Bread: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to infuse warm, aromatic spices that elevate the traditional banana bread recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to ensure proper texture and binding for those with gluten sensitivities.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Banana Nut Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Classic banana nut bread brings warmth from Grandma’s kitchen with rich, comforting flavors. Moist crumb and nutty undertones create a delightful slice you’ll savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2⅓ cups (560 ml) mashed overripe bananas
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chopped walnuts

Sweeteners:

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) brown sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×5-inch (23×13 centimeters) loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
  5. Add fully ripened, well-mashed bananas and pure vanilla extract to the wet ingredients, mixing until completely integrated and creating a homogeneous batter.
  6. Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the banana mixture, using gentle folding motions to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender bread texture.
  7. Delicately fold chopped walnuts throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensurenut flavor in every slice.
  8. Transfer the complete batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning.
  10. Check bread doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center; it should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it.
  11. Remove from oven and allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it settle and prevents crumbling.
  12. Carefully transfer the banana nut bread to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

  • Grab ripe, spotted bananas for the most intense, sweet flavor that transforms this bread into a moist, irresistible treat.
  • Fold walnuts gently to prevent overmixing, ensuring a tender crumb and evenly distributed nutty crunch throughout the loaf.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend smoother, creating a more uniform batter that guarantees a perfectly textured banana bread.
  • Check doneness early to avoid dry edges, using the toothpick test near the center for the most reliable results.
  • Cooling in the pan allows the bread to set and become more manageable, preventing potential crumbling when removing from the loaf pan.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star