Banana Walnut Bread Recipe is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts. This classic recipe is perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a gift for loved ones. The bananas provide moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the walnuts add texture and a toasty flavor that perfectly complements the soft, dense bread. Together, they create a harmonious balance of flavors that make this Banana Walnut Bread irresistible. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Banana Walnut Bread Recipe
Ingredients for Banana Walnut Bread
To make a perfect loaf of Banana Walnut Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ripe Bananas (3-4 medium-sized)
- The riper the bananas, the better! They provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Overripe bananas with brown spots work best as they’re soft and packed with flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
- Flour acts as the base of the bread, giving it structure. Be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid using too much.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- This leavening agent helps the bread rise and gives it a light texture. Be sure to use fresh baking soda to ensure proper rising.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the bread, balancing the sweetness of the bananas.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick)
- The butter adds richness and moisture to the bread. If you use salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup)
- The sugar helps with the sweetness and contributes to the bread’s golden-brown color. You can also use brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Egg (1 large)
- Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping bind the ingredients together and contributing to the texture of the bread.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Vanilla extract adds a warm, fragrant flavor that complements the bananas and walnuts beautifully.
- Chopped Walnuts (1 cup)
- Walnuts are the star of this recipe, providing a delicious crunch and earthy, nutty flavor. You can lightly toast them before adding for extra depth of flavor.
- Optional Add-ins (1/2 cup)
- You can get creative by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the bread’s flavor further.
These simple yet essential ingredients will come together to create a moist, flavorful loaf of Banana Walnut Bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Directions for Banana Walnut Bread
Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious loaf of Banana Walnut Bread:
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal. Make sure to coat the pan well to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mash the Bananas
- In a medium-sized bowl, peel the ripe bananas and mash them using a fork or potato masher until smooth with a few small lumps remaining. You should have about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of mashed bananas. The more ripe the bananas, the easier they are to mash and the sweeter your bread will be.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand with a whisk.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. This ensures that the leavening agent (baking soda) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Incorporate the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
- Once the flour mixture is incorporated, fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Add the Walnuts
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter. If you want a deeper flavor, you can lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the bread batter.
- Pour the Batter Into the Loaf Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
- Cool the Bread
- Once the bread is baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- After it has cooled slightly, turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread firm up and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once completely cooled, slice the Banana Walnut Bread and serve. Enjoy it as is, or spread with a bit of butter, honey, or peanut butter for extra flavor.
Now, you’ve made a delicious loaf of Banana Walnut Bread! Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack anytime.
Banana Walnut Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Loaf Pan (9x5-inch) A standard loaf pan is essential for shaping and baking the Banana Walnut Bread.
- Mixing Bowls (2 medium-sized) One for mixing the wet ingredients and one for combining the dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurately measuring the flour, sugar, baking soda, and other ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk An electric mixer is helpful for creaming the butter and sugar together, but you can also use a whisk or hand mixer.
- Fork or Potato Masher For mashing the ripe bananas until smooth or slightly lumpy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ripe Bananas
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl, then cream together butter and sugar in a separate bowl.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture, then mix in the mashed bananas.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in walnuts.
- Pour batter into the pan, bake for 55-65 minutes, and cool before slicing.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and give the bread a moist texture. Avoid using bananas that are still firm or green for best results.
- Walnut Size: Chop the walnuts into small pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave them in larger pieces.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your bread around the 55-minute mark. If the top is getting too brown but the bread is still underbaked, cover it with foil and continue baking until done.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the loaf firm up and makes it easier to slice.
- Storage: Store Banana Walnut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Flavor Variations: For a fun twist, consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.
Tips for Banana Walnut Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas
- The key to a moist and flavorful Banana Walnut Bread is using overripe bananas. The more spots and brown marks on the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll be. If you have bananas that are getting too ripe, this is the perfect recipe to use them!
- Don’t Overmix the Batter
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough loaf. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
- Toast the Walnuts
- Toasting the walnuts lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and brings out their nuttiness. This extra step will give your Banana Walnut Bread a richer taste.
- Check for Doneness Early
- Ovens vary, so check your bread at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If it’s still wet, continue baking, but check every 5 minutes.
- Cool the Bread Completely
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling it for a little while helps the loaf firm up and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.
- Make It Healthier
- For a healthier twist, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or reduce the sugar by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also try swapping the butter with coconut oil for a lighter option.
- Add Extra Flavor
- If you love cinnamon or nutmeg, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This will add a warm, spiced flavor that complements the bananas and walnuts beautifully.
- Use a Silicone Loaf Pan
- If you have a silicone loaf pan, it can make removing the bread much easier. The flexible material helps ensure that the loaf doesn’t stick and comes out smoothly.
- Store Properly
- To keep your Banana Walnut Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw before slicing.
- Make Muffins Instead
- If you prefer individual servings, you can use this recipe to make banana walnut muffins. Simply divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Banana Walnut Bread comes out perfectly every time, with a rich flavor and the ideal texture.
Conclusion
Banana Walnut Bread is the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweet, moist banana flavor and the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts. Its comforting texture and the simple combination of ingredients make it a go-to recipe for breakfast, snacks, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Whether you’re enjoying a warm slice with a cup of tea or sharing it with friends and family, this bread is sure to bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to try this easy and delicious recipe, and share the love by passing it along to others—you might just create a new favorite baking tradition!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!