This scrumptious Banana Nut Bread is so moist with just the right amount of banana flavor, walnuts, and a touch of cinnamon. In about ten minutes, you too, can have this bread prepped and in the oven. It makes the house smell so good, and it tastes better than any bakery loaf. This is one of our favorite classic banana bread recipes with the perfect balance of sweetness and flavors of banana and cinnamon spice.
If you love bananas, you must try my banana fritters, banana milk, banana muffins, or banana cream pie. My husband and daughter just love bananas, so they are a real thing around here.
Why this Banana Bread Works
- This is a tried and true tested recipe that has been in my family for generations. Even Grandma approved of this bread.
- The bread is made with common pantry ingredients.
- With the use of very ripe bananas and nuts, the bread stays moist for days.
How to make Banana Nut Bread
Start by whisking the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Then using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Now, turn the mixer to medium-low and beat the eggs in one at a time until incorporated. Then beat in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Next, turn the mixer to low or stir and add the flour mixture to the wet mixture beating just until incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Do not overmix the batter. Remove from the mixer and fold in the nuts. Remember, do not overmix.
Pour into a loaf pan that has been greased or sprayed with nonstick baking spray. Sprinkle a little bit more chopped nuts on the top. Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the top comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Once completely cool, store in a larger zipper bag or wrap with plastic wrap and store on the countertop for about 3-4 days.
Banana Nut Bread Ingredients
This recipe calls for ripe bananas. Remember to plan that out early, as most stores do not sell over-ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the better. For best results, the skins should be black or at least have black and brown streaks.
Use chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios to keep the bread moist and flavorful.
Recipe Tips
- Use very ripe bananas and mash them with a fork. The riper the bananas, the naturally sweeter and more moist the bread will be.
- Pecans can be substituted for walnuts.
- Do not overmix the bread, as this can make the loaf tough. The mixer should be on low when the flour mixture is incorporated and should only be mixed until combined.
- For a change of flavor, add 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or 2/3 cup raisins.
- Start checking the loaf after 50 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool fully before wrapping. Store wrapped in plastic wrap or in a Ziploc storage bag on the counter for up to 4 days.
How to store Banana Nut Bread
The very best way to store banana bread is to wrap it with plastic wrap and store it in a Ziploc storage bag right on your kitchen counter. At room temperature, the bread will remain moist and taste very similar to the day that you baked it. Make sure you remove as much of the excess air from the storage bag every time you open it.
You can prolong the shelf life of the bread by wrapping and storing it in the refrigerator, although the cold from the refrigerator will dry the bread out some. Be sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap and a Ziploc storage bag. The bread will last about one week in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, freeze the bread. Banana bread freezes extremely well. Wrap in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil and place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag removing as much of the air as possible. Freeze for up to three months. To thaw, simply place it on the counter overnight. You can even freeze individual slices in quart-size heavy-duty freezer bags.
What nuts go in banana bread
- pecans
- walnuts
- almonds
- pistachios
- cashews
- macadamia
More banana recipes you will love!
Best Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 cups mashed bananas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or spray an 8x4 inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Using a stand or hand mixer on medium, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Turn the mixer to medium-low speed and beat the eggs in one at a time until incorporated. Beat in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Turn the mixer to low or stir and add the dry ingredients, beating just until incorporated. Do not overmix the batter. Remove from the mixer and fold in the nuts just until combined.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the top comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, and then invert bread onto cooling wire rack. Cool completely before wrapping.
Video
Notes
- Use very ripe brown bananas. The riper the bananas the naturally sweeter and more moist the bread will be.
- Pecans can be substituted for the walnuts.
- Do not overmix the bread as this can make the loaf tough. The mixer should be on low when the flour mixture is incorporated and should only be mixed until combined.
- For a change of flavor add 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or 2/3 cup raisins.
- Start checking the loaf after 50 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool fully before wrapping. Store wrapped in plastic wrap or in a Ziploc storage bag on the counter for up 4 days.
Nutrition
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Tiffany
This banana bread is delicious! Perfect for a sweet treat or breakfast!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Tiffany! So glad that you liked the banana nut bread!
DK
Wow – made this the other day and our whole house smelled like delicious, warm banana bread. And it was so tasty!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, DK!
Pauline
This banana nut bread was so moist and delicious! I served it hot with butter and coffee and loved every bite.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Pauline! We feel the same way about the bread!
Ann
I always love adding nuts to my banana bread. Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Me too, Ann!
Clarice W
Wow! This was delicious. The combination of walnuts and cinnamon is a perfect way to level up our usual banana bread. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Clarice!
Mel Edwards
This is such a great recipe. It’s a super popular one with my family. I like to substitute walnuts and add about 1 cup of white or dark chocolate chips.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tips, Mel!
Marilyn
This is by far my favorite banana bread. I would give it 10 stars if I could. So moist and tasty. It bakes up perfectly everytime. Thank you. Beth.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome. Marilyn!
Hannah Bures
I love this recipe! It has so much taste and is a great dish for when family comes to visit. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer P
Yes!!! This banana nut bread is such a tasty morning treat (or anytime, really!).
Robert L
I love this banana nut bread. It is just good as my Mom’s. Thanks for bringing back great memories.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Robert!
Paige
This banana-nut bread was outstanding. I think it was the best loaf of banana bread I have ever eaten. Next time I am going to try pecans in place of the walnuts and double the cinnamon. I love cinnamon.
Beth Pierce
Me too Paige! I am so glad that you liked the bnanana bread!
Ivan
We love this banana nut bread. I didn’t realize that it’s so easy to make. I am going to make some extra loaves and freeze them for Easter.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ivan! I hope that your guests enjoy the bread!
Kimberley
Your recipe for banana nut bread was absolutely scrumptious! The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy nuts was a winning one! My sister and I enjoyed it with a hot pot of coffee and some great conversation. Thanks for sharing such a delightful recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Kimberley! I am so glad that you and your sister liked the banana bread!
Claudette
This banana bread is so good! I love how moist and tender it is, and it’s extra nutty which I appreciate!
Maureen D
A classic treat! We love this banana bread. It’s so satisfying and goes so well with a nice cup of coffee!
aimee amala
I’d never thought of combining nuts with banana bread. What a great recipe! It is really delicious, thanks!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Aimee!