Name: Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup); 1/3 cup melted butter (or neutral oil); 3/4 cup sugar (can reduce to 1/2 cup if you like it less sweet); 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 27 reviews

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and your heart with comfort, it doesn’t get much better than Banana Nut Bread. This classic loaf is incredibly moist, packed with sweet banana flavor, touched with vanilla, and brimming with crunchy walnuts or pecans. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or dessert, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake again and again – and you certainly won’t mind if a few bananas go spotty just so you have an excuse!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Banana Nut Bread keeps things delightfully simple, relying on wholesome, everyday staples that work together in perfect harmony. Each ingredient brings its own magic, shaping the flavor, crumb, and inviting aroma that makes this bread unforgettable.

Bananas (3 ripe): Overripe bananas are the star here, providing sweetness, moisture, and that signature banana richness – the riper, the better!
Melted butter (1/3 cup): Butter gives the loaf a wonderful, tender crumb and deepens the flavor, but you can swap in neutral oil if you prefer a lighter touch.
Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens just enough without overpowering the banana; feel free to reduce to 1/2 cup for a less sweet result.
Egg (1 large, beaten): Holds everything together and adds a little lift for a soft texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warm notes and rounds out the overall flavor.
Baking soda (1 tsp): The essential leavening agent—helps the loaf rise beautifully.
Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors forward.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the bread, providing just enough structure without making it dense.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (3/4 cup): For irresistible crunch and a nutty twist in every bite; toast your nuts first for extra flavor.

How to Make Banana Nut Bread

Step 1: Get the Oven and Pan Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, give a 9×5-inch loaf pan a gentle grease with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your Banana Nut Bread releases easily and comes out with a golden exterior.

Step 2: Mash Your Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they’re mostly smooth with just a few small lumps left. The more ripe and spotty your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Step 3: Mix in Butter and Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter (or neutral oil) right into the mashed bananas and stir them together. Next, mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is silky and thoroughly blended. This foundation sets the moist base of your Banana Nut Bread.

Step 4: Add Leavening and Salt

Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt across the wet mixture. Stir gently to evenly distribute, making sure those tiny granules are mixed in for perfect lift and flavor balance.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Tip the all-purpose flour into your bowl and stir just until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix—gentle folding will keep your bread light and tender, exactly how homemade Banana Nut Bread should be.

Step 6: Fold in the Nuts

Add the chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter, folding them in so they’re evenly scattered throughout. This ensures there’ll be a nutty crunch in every slice.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the Banana Nut Bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This little rest makes for neat slices and the best texture.

How to Serve Banana Nut Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your slices with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a pat of softened butter. If you want to take it up a notch, a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a spoonful of whipped cream can make each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Banana Nut Bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or even a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. For brunch spreads, serve it beside scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or crispy bacon for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try toasting slices of Banana Nut Bread and topping them with cream cheese and sliced strawberries, or cut the loaf into cubes for a fun breakfast trifle. For a portable treat, slather peanut butter between two slices for a hearty sandwich twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Banana Nut Bread covered tightly on the counter for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrapping it in foil or placing it in an airtight container will help lock in moisture and keep it delicious.

Freezing

Banana Nut Bread freezes beautifully! Slice the cooled loaf and wrap each slice (or the whole loaf) in plastic wrap, then tuck into a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight at room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, warm slices of Banana Nut Bread in a toaster oven or microwave until soft and fragrant. This quick step revives the lovely texture and brings out the nutty aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Nut Bread?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly—just thaw and drain off any excess liquid before mashing them into the batter. They’re often even sweeter, so it’s a handy way to save those ripe bananas for whenever you’re ready to bake.

What nuts work best in this recipe?

Walnuts and pecans are both fantastic, bringing out the best in the moist loaf. If you like, you can experiment with chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a different twist—or skip the nuts if you prefer a classic banana bread.

Is it possible to make Banana Nut Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind the texture might be a little different, but you’ll still get that irresistible banana flavor and nutty goodness.

How do I prevent my Banana Nut Bread from drying out?

The secret is not to overbake—it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Also, storing it wrapped tightly in foil or plastic after cooling will help keep it tender and moist.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf with this recipe?

Definitely! Just divide the batter among muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes, or until they spring back lightly to the touch. Fresh Banana Nut Bread muffins are perfect for on-the-go snacking!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried homemade Banana Nut Bread, now’s the perfect time to give it a go. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—a true bake-anytime favorite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your most requested recipes and a cherished part of your baking traditions!