Banana Nut Bread Recipe: Moist, Flavorful, and Perfectly Nutty

Is there anything more comforting than the smell of freshly baked Banana Nut Bread wafting through your kitchen? This timeless recipe is soft, moist, and packed with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas and the crunchy goodness of nuts. Whether you’re looking for the perfect breakfast, a midday snack, or a delicious way to use up those overripe bananas, this easy banana nut bread recipe is your go-to solution.

Let’s get baking and enjoy a slice of this classic treat!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Moist and Tender: Thanks to the ripe bananas, this bread has a soft and tender crumb that stays moist for days.
Rich, Nutty Flavor: The addition of crunchy nuts, like walnuts or pecans, complements the sweetness of the bananas perfectly.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Great Way to Use Overripe Bananas: Don’t let those brown bananas go to waste—turn them into a loaf of pure comfort!

Ingredients for Banana Nut Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious banana nut bread:

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Wet Ingredients:

3 large overripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
1/4 cup milk (if needed for a smoother batter)

How to Make Banana Nut Bread

Follow these simple steps to bake a moist and flavorful banana nut bread:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set the dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine—they add texture to the bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense instead of light and tender. If the batter seems too thick, stir in 1/4 cup milk to loosen it slightly.

Step 6: Fold in the Nuts

Gently fold the chopped nuts into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. If you’d like, save a small handful of nuts to sprinkle on top for a nice finishing touch.

Step 7: Bake the Banana Nut Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved nuts over the batter if desired. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Bread

Remove the banana nut bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Banana Nut Bread

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots on the peel.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a dense loaf.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer to check the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Add Extra Flavor: Enhance your banana nut bread with a pinch of nutmeg, a handful of chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter.
Let It Cool: Allowing the bread to cool ensures it slices cleanly and doesn’t crumble.

Add-Ins and Variations

This banana nut bread is versatile, so you can customize it to suit your taste:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a rich, chocolaty twist.
Banana Coconut Bread: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Banana Blueberry Bread: Gently mix in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for bursts of fruity goodness.
Nut-Free Option: If you’re not a fan of nuts, simply omit them or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Healthy Version: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar slightly, and replace the butter with applesauce or coconut oil.

How to Serve Banana Nut Bread

Banana nut bread is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to enjoy it:

With Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm slice for a simple and classic treat.
Drizzle of Honey: Add a touch of natural sweetness with a drizzle of honey.
Cream Cheese Spread: Pair it with cream cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast.
Toasted: Toast a slice and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storing and Freezing Banana Nut Bread

Storing:

Wrap the cooled banana nut bread in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

To freeze, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Banana nut bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for a quick treat.

Why Banana Nut Bread is a Classic

Banana nut bread has been a beloved recipe for generations, and for good reason. It’s a simple, no-fuss way to use up ripe bananas, and the combination of sweet, tender banana flavor with crunchy nuts is hard to beat. Whether enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this bread brings warmth and comfort to any moment.

It’s also incredibly adaptable, making it easy to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great recipe for beginner bakers who want to make something impressive without too much effort.

Final Thoughts on Banana Nut Bread

If you’ve been searching for the perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe, this is it. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, this loaf is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this banana nut bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

So grab those ripe bananas and start baking—your taste buds will thank you!