banana nut bread recipe: Moist Banana Nut Loaf

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

There’s nothing cozier than a slice of banana nut bread recipe straight from the oven on a quiet morning. This classic loaf blends ripe bananas, melted butter, and chopped walnuts into a tender crumb with just the right touch of sweetness. Easy enough for a weeknight bake yet impressive enough for brunch, this banana nut bread recipe delivers comforting flavor and aroma in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This banana nut bread recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with simple measurements.
  • Wholesome ingredients that come together into a moist, flavorful loaf.
  • Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with coffee.

A Little Background

Banana bread has long stood as a comforting staple in home kitchens, turning overripe fruit into a delicious treat. This banana nut bread recipe celebrates that timeless idea: a moist, fragrant loaf studded with walnuts, enhanced by a touch of vanilla, and finished with a warm, golden crust.

Key Ingredients for perfect banana nut bread recipe

  • Ripe bananas: mashed for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Melted unsalted butter: adds richness and a tender crumb.
  • Granulated sugar: sweetness that helps brown the crust.
  • Eggs: bind the batter and contribute structure.
  • All-purpose flour: forms the loaf’s foundation.
  • Chopped walnuts: provide a toasty crunch and nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions to make banana nut bread recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard loaf pan.
  2. Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas with the melted butter, then beat in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until moistened; fold in the walnuts.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool in the pan on a rack for 10–15 minutes, then unmold and cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips & Variations

  • Brown the butter for a deeper nutty aroma before mixing it into the batter.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the crumb light and tender.
  • Mix-ins like chocolate chips or pecans can be swapped in for variety.
  • Store cooled loaf wrapped tightly at room temperature for several days, or freeze slices for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy slices with a pat of butter, alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, as a cozy breakfast, snack, or dessert option.

banana nut bread recipe

banana nut bread recipe

Banana nut bread that’s moist, fragrant, and studded with walnuts. A timeless loaf perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×5 inch loaf pan

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk the mashed bananas with the melted butter, then beat in the sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened; fold in the walnuts.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes, then unmold and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or stir in chocolate chips for a different texture. Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moistness.
Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, or freeze slices for longer storage.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 9.5gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 120mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword Banana, Nuts, Snack
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!