Pioneer Woman Banana Nut Bread The Best Banana Bread

Pioneer Woman banana nut bread recipe always takes me back to the weekend I visited my grandmother on her farm she loved watching cooking shows and one morning we decided to bake together inspired by her favorite TV cook we gathered ripe bananas fresh pecans and a few pantry staples and spent the morning laughing and sharing stories as the bread baked the kitchen smelled so inviting and when we finally sliced into that warm nutty loaf it felt like the ultimate comfort food moment

Ever since that visit this banana nut bread has been my favorite way to use up overripe bananas it’s moist tender and loaded with crunchy nuts in every bite plus I love topping it with extra banana slices and pecans to make it look extra rustic and inviting every time I bake it I think of those cozy mornings with my grandma and how food has a magical way of connecting us to people and memories we love

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ripe bananas – Give natural sweetness and keep the bread moist.
• All-purpose flour – Creates a sturdy and tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Brown sugar – Brings a warm caramel-like richness.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and add softness.
• Unsalted butter – Adds rich buttery flavor and keeps the bread tender.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream – Keeps the bread extra moist and light.
• Baking soda – Helps the loaf rise beautifully.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavors.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• Cinnamon – Gives a gentle spice and cozy flavor.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts – Add a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
• Banana slices and nuts (for topping) – Make it look pretty and extra inviting.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For mixing wet and dry ingredients separately and easily.
• Whisk – Ensures smooth blending without lumps.
• Spatula – For folding ingredients gently without overmixing.
• Loaf pan – Creates the perfect loaf shape and even bake.
• Cooling rack – Helps the bread cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Keep measurements accurate for the best texture.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F so it’s ready for the batter.

Step 2

I mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth because they make the bread naturally sweet and moist.

Step 3

In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon so they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4

I beat the melted butter with both sugars until creamy then add the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Step 5

I gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula making sure not to overmix to keep the loaf light and fluffy.

Step 6

I fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts for that extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 7

I pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and top it with banana slices and a handful of nuts for a beautiful farmhouse-style look.

Step 8

I bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean then let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips

I sometimes toast the nuts lightly before adding them to bring out an even deeper flavor. You can also sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a slight sweet crunch. If you love extra moist banana bread, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots — they work like magic!

Ways to Serve

I love serving this banana nut bread warm with a generous spread of butter or cream cheese. It’s also wonderful toasted and topped with honey or peanut butter for breakfast. For a sweet dessert twist, try a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the Pioneer Woman banana nut bread recipe?

Yes! Wrap slices tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Why is my Pioneer Woman banana nut bread recipe dry?

It might be overbaked or not enough bananas were used. Make sure to check doneness with a toothpick and use very ripe bananas for moisture.

Can I make muffins with the Pioneer Woman banana nut bread recipe?

Absolutely! Just bake them in a muffin tin for about 20–25 minutes.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Pioneer Woman banana nut bread recipe soon! It’s the perfect cozy treat to share with family or friends and brings a touch of farmhouse warmth to any day. Let me know how yours turns out or if you add any special touches — I’d love to hear all about it!

Happy Cooking!

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