BEST Banana Nut Bread

I love the smell of freshly baked banana nut bread filling my kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning and it instantly brings back memories of my grandma handing me a warm slice straight from the oven and urging me to eat it before it cooled down and lost its magic. She always said that ripe bananas were a gift waiting to be turned into something comforting and sweet and that lesson stuck with me and still guides me whenever I spot a few speckled bananas sitting on the counter.

Ever since I started making my own version of banana nut bread and I’ve been adding my little twists and secrets and sharing them with friends who always come back asking for more. It’s amazing how this simple combination of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts creates such an irresistibly moist and flavorful loaf that feels like a hug in every bite and always disappears faster than I expect.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ripe bananas – The essential star ingredient for deep sweetness and natural moisture!
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and helps hold everything together.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances the banana flavor.
• Eggs – Bind the batter and make it fluffy and rich.
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the bread tender and moist.
• Baking soda – Gives the loaf a light, airy rise.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
• Ground cinnamon – Brings a cozy, spiced note.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
• Walnuts – Give a crunchy texture and nutty taste.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – To combine the wet and dry ingredients separately before bringing them together.
• Whisk – Helps mix the ingredients evenly and aerates the batter.
• Spatula – Perfect for folding in the nuts and scraping down the bowl.
• Loaf pan – Shapes the bread and helps it bake evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensure accurate ingredient measurements for best results.
• Cooling rack – Allows the bread to cool properly without getting soggy.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F so it’s ready when my batter is mixed.

Step 2

I peel and mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until they’re mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.

Step 3

In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt so the dry ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4

I add the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix them well until smooth and glossy.

Step 5

Then, I gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture using a spatula and I’m careful not to overmix because that can make the bread dense.

Step 6

I fold in the walnuts last to keep them evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7

I pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top so it bakes evenly.

Step 8

I bake for about 55 to 65 minutes and I check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Step 9

Once it’s out, I let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to finish.

Tips

If you want to make it extra special, I recommend topping it with extra banana slices and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts before baking for a beautiful look and extra crunch. I sometimes add a handful of dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent twist. And if you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, don’t be shy about adding an extra half teaspoon.

Ways to Serve

I love serving this banana nut bread warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s also delicious toasted with cream cheese for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can even turn it into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store BEST Banana Nut Bread?

I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to keep it longer.

Can I freeze BEST Banana Nut Bread?

Yes! I wrap slices individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight or pop them in the toaster.

Can I make BEST Banana Nut Bread without nuts?

Absolutely! Just leave out the walnuts or replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruit.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this BEST Banana Nut Bread a try! It’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy overripe bananas, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Feel free to leave a comment below or share your results with me! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it for your next cozy baking day.

Happy Cooking!

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