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    Home » Recipes » Bread

    Published: Mar 13, 2023 by Misty · This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.

    Amazing Banana Nut Bread (Easy & Moist)

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    Banana bread with graphic overlay.
    Banana Nut Bread with graphic overlay.
    Banana Nut Bread with graphic overlay.

    This easy Banana Nut Bread recipe yields supremely moist, perfectly soft banana bread studded with bits of crunchy walnuts. With just a few minutes of hands-on time, you can have the best ever banana bread loaf that leaves your house smelling like a bakery. Whether made as individual muffins, classic loaves, or in a Bundt pan, it is an irresistible treat to serve for breakfast, feed to a brunch crowd, or freeze ahead. 

    Golden brown crust on banana bread loaf with tender crumbs and walnuts.
    With the perfect golden crust and moist with walnuts throughout, this banana bread is completely addicting!
    Skip to:
    • 🏅Why this recipe is great!
    • 🍌 Ingredients
    • 🥣 How to make banana nut bread
    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd
    • 🙋 Questions and Answers
    • 🥥 Variations
    • 📖 More breakfast winners
    • 👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & tricks
    • 👋🏻 Connect with us!
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    The perfect banana nut bread recipe needs to be moist and tender, not dense and certainly not dry. It needs to have sweet banana flavor perfectly complemented with crunchy walnuts. It needs to form a perfect crust on the top and stay wonderfully tender on the inside. 

    This, my friends, is the best banana bread recipe. For the last 15 years we have been perfecting it. The original recipe was by Ina Garten’s Banana Crunch Muffins, but I simplified the mix-ins and removed the chunky banana pieces. They do make fantastic muffins, but I prefer to make them in loaf pans and occasionally in a bundt pan.

    If you love quick bread as much as we do, an all-time favorite recipe for an afternoon snack is this orange loaf covered in fresh orange glaze. In close second is this lemon loaf cake that's made moist with greek yogurt. If chocolate is more your thing, this triple chocolate bread is a decadent treat.

    🏅Why this recipe is great!

    • It's an incredibly delicious loaf of banana bread with a soft crumb. That's thanks to the method of adding melted butter to the dry mix before adding in the liquid. This technique makes the most perfect banana bread.
    • It's a great jumping off point for trying different variations. See the full list below.
    • The best thing about this recipe is that it is perfect for freezing. I keep one or two in there all the time for special weekend treats.
    • It fits so many occasions, whether a weekend brunch, after school snack, neighbor gift or weekday treat. Our favorite is to take a loaf in the car on road trips.

    🍌 Ingredients

    Ingredients for banana nut bread.
    This recipe requires basic baking ingredients along with bananas. Pro tip - the riper the bananas, the better!

    Flour: All-purpose flour.
    Sugar: Just regular granulated sugar.
    Baking powder: Rising agent #1…
    Baking soda: Rising agent #2… Both create fluffy, tender bread!
    Salt: Kosher salt is best.
    Butter: Use real butter for the best flavor. Both salted and unsalted will work.
    Bananas: The more ripe the sweeter and more flavorful the banana bread will be! Choose medium bananas that are covered in black or brown spots and are very soft.
    Eggs: Use large eggs for best results.
    Milk: Whole milk is best, although I have had good results with 2% as well.
    Vanilla extract: I know it can be pricey, but this recipe really benefits from the vanilla. Don’t skip it if you have it.
    Walnuts: Just give them a quick chop before using. They add great texture to the bread. Feel free to use pecans, cashews, or macadamia nuts.

    🥣 How to make banana nut bread

    Adding in melted butter to dry ingredients to the banana nut bread batter.

    The batter starts by whisking the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl to make sure there are no lumps. Then pour melted butter over the top of the flour mixture.

    Batter after mixing in the butter.

    Blend with an electric mixer on medium speed until small lumps form.

    Eggs and milk added into banana bread batter.

    In a separate medium bowl mash the bananas, and then add in the milk, eggs, and vanilla.

    Batter after mixing in bananas.

    Combine the wet ingredients.

    Wet and dry ingredients mixed together in a large mixing bowl.

    Combine wet banana mixture in with the dry ingredients to form a thick batter. This can be done by hand or with a hand mixer.

    Mixing nuts into banana bread batter.

    Then gently mix in the chopped walnuts.

    Two loaves of banana bread batter in prepared loaf pans.

    Pour batter into greased loaf pans, muffin tins, or a bundt pan.

    Baked loaves on banana bread on counter in loaf pans.

    Bake at 350°F in the middle of the oven until the bread is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert and finish cooling on a wire rack. 

    For full instructions on baking banana muffins, mini loaves, or a bundt loaf see the recipe card below.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd

    This is a really fun recipe to serve for special brunch gatherings or even baby/bridal shower parties. Who doesn't love moist banana nut bread? The easiest way to serve to a crowd is to make it in a bundt pan, which will serve at least 14-18 people.

    You could also double the recipe to make additional loaves or muffins. If you double the recipe, I highly suggest making each recipe in its own large bowl. This will help prevent overmixing, which makes the bread tough and dense.

    Loaf of banana bread studded with walnuts on counter.
    If you want to have some on hand for later, place a loaf in the freezer. It becomes even more moist and delicious!

    🙋 Questions and Answers

    How do I tell when banana bread is done baking?

    Banana bread typically forms a firm crust on the top, which can make it look finished before it actually is. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with a few large crumbs.

    How do I prevent banana bread sinking in the middle?

    The biggest culprit of sinking banana bread is taking it out of the oven before it is finished. If the center of the loaf is still raw or too soft, it will collapse as it cools. Make sure to cook it until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with a few large crumbs.

    How do I store banana bread and does it need refrigerated?

    Store banana bread in an airtight container or serving dish (such as a covered cake stand) at room temperature for 2-3 days. It isn’t necessary to store the bread in the fridge, but you most certainly can if you prefer it cold.

    Can I freeze banana bread?

    Yes, this is a great freezer bread! Allow it to cool all the way to room temperature, then wrap in a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw at room temperature on the counter for a few hours or in the fridge overnight.

    To freeze individual slices wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer plastic bag. They thaw quickly and are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.

    Is banana bread healthy?

    This is a very subjective answer depending on how one defines healthy. Due to the level of sugar and butter in classic banana bread recipes, I wouldn't call them healthy. It is great in moderation.

    🥥 Variations

    • Instead of walnuts try pecans, macadamia nuts, almonds, cashews.
    • Add in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
    • Add in 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut. ( A personal favorite!)
    • Try spices like a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg.
    • Swap out one cup sugar for brown sugar.
    Slice of banana bread with walnuts on cutting board.
    Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve! Careful, it won't last long.

    📖 More breakfast winners

    • Need something everyone will love? You really can’t go wrong with this Lemon Curd Coffee Cake… it’s what breakfast dreams are made of!
    • Another lemon treat are these Lemon Scones. Drizzled with a bright lemon glaze, these are a fun breakfast option.
    • The ultimate breakfast side dish: easy, sweet, and perfectly crispy Oven-Baked Bacon. It's such and easy recipe, you’ll never cook bacon on the stove again!
    • For classic breakfast lovers, try these Famous Farm Buttermilk Pancakes. With simple ingredients you get moist, golden brown pancakes that are just begging for syrup 🤤.

    👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & tricks

    • Use very ripe bananas for the most flavor (they should be heavily streaked with black and brown spots). Then mash them thoroughly until smooth to avoid chunks of banana in the bread. 
    • If you need to speed up the ripening process, place bananas in a brown paper bag clipped shut.
    • Fully incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients. If any dry spots are left, it won’t mix into the wet ingredients as well. 
    • Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula often. Ingredients tend to hide out at the bottom of the bowl or cling to the sides, so scrape, scrape scrape after each step. 
    • If the top of the loaf is getting too brown, lightly tent with aluminum foil until the cake tester comes out clean or with just a couple large crumbs attached.

    👋🏻 Connect with us!

    If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating to let us know how it is! We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Tag @borrowedbites or hashtag #borrowedbites to show us your food!

    📋 Recipe

    Loaf of banana but bread on cutting board sliced and leaning.

    Amazing Banana Nut Bread (Easy & Moist)

    This easy Banana Nut Bread recipe yields supremely moist, perfectly soft banana bread studded with bits of crunchy walnuts. With just a few minutes of hands-on time, you can have the best ever banana bread loaf that leaves your house smelling like a bakery. Whether made as individual muffins, classic loaves, or in a Bundt pan, it is an irresistible treat to serve for breakfast, feed to a brunch crowd, or freeze ahead. 
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Save Saved! Rate
    Course: Bread, Breakfast, Brunch
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 loaves
    Calories: 377kcal
    Author: Borrowed Bites

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups flour
    • 2 cups sugar
    • 2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup butter melted and cooled
    • 3 ripe bananas mashed until smooth
    • 2 eggs
    • ¾ cup milk 2% or whole
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 cup walnuts chopped (or use pecans, cashews, macadamia)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray 2 9" loaf pans with baking spray. **For muffin or bundt instructions, see notes.
    • In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. Add the melted butter and mix on low speed using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Blend until butter is thoroughly incorporated and batter forms small lumps.
      3 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup butter
    • In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and mix on low until combined, scraping the bowl as needed. Batter will be slightly lumpy; don't overmix.
      3 ripe bananas, 2 eggs, ¾ cup milk, 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the walnuts. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
      1 cup walnuts
    • Allow to cool in loaf pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and finish cooling to room temperature on cooling rack. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Tips & Tricks
    • Use very ripe bananas for the most flavor (they should be heavily streaked with black and brown spots). Then mash them thoroughly until smooth to avoid chunks of banana in the bread. 
    • Fully incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients. If any dry spots are left, it won’t mix into the wet ingredients as well. 
    • Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula often. Ingredients tend to hide out at the bottom of the bowl or cling to the sides, so scrape, scrape scrape after each step.
     
    Muffin Instructions
    Line 2 muffin pans with paper liners or spray pan generously with baking spray. Divide batter evenly into 24 muffins. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove and finish cooling on cooling rack. 
     
    Bundt Instructions
    Spray 10" bundt pan generously with baking spray. Fill with batter and bake for 55-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack and allow to come to room temperature. 
     
    Freezer Instructions
    Allow bread to cool to room temperature, then wrap in a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of tinfoil. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw at room temperature on the counter for a few hours or in the fridge overnight.

    Add Your Own Notes

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 324mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 403IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg

    All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.

    Tried this recipe?Leave a rating or pin it for later!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Aspen says

      August 17, 2022 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      Omg!!! This is the best banana bread I’ve ever had! And it was easy to boot. Totally making this again. It’s almost better than chocolate cake, and that’s my fave dessert. ❤️

      Reply
      • Danielle says

        August 18, 2022 at 10:05 am

        This is definitely a winner! Thanks for the taking time to let us know.

        Reply
    2. Tina says

      November 12, 2021 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for including instructions for muffins AND loaf pans AND bundt pan. I like not having to guess when I want to bake it a different way!

      Reply
      • Misty says

        November 13, 2021 at 10:36 am

        You're welcome! We don't like guessing either, and it's nice to have the flexibility to make it however you want!

        Reply
    3. Patricia says

      October 02, 2020 at 1:35 pm

      5 stars
      I made this in the muffin version this morning. SO good! It made 22 muffins for me, each filled to the top of the liner. I made a couple of changes to the recipe with the sugar. I wanted to use a little less sugar and I also wanted to use some brown. So I did 1 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of brown instead of 2 cups of white. Otherwise I followed the recipe exactly. They turned out amazing!

      Reply
      • Misty says

        October 02, 2020 at 1:40 pm

        Awesome, good idea to use both sugars. So glad they turned out well for you!

        Reply
    4. Sally says

      July 14, 2020 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      Oh man.... the family devoured this bread! I followed the recipe exactly as is and it turned out great. I will try a Bundt pan next time.

      Reply
      • Misty says

        July 14, 2020 at 1:00 pm

        Love to hear you had happy eaters!

        Reply
        • Mia says

          December 09, 2022 at 6:05 pm

          What type of flour

          Reply
          • Danielle says

            December 09, 2022 at 6:07 pm

            Good question! If a recipe doesn’t specify which flour it means all purpose flour. Hope that helps.

            Reply

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    Hi! We are Danielle and Misty: a mom and daughter with a serious passion for seeking out the best recipes to serve again and again to those we love. With a mix of everyday favorites and indulgent weekend fare there is something here for you and yours as you develop your own family traditions.

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