Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Banana nut bread is a timeless classic, beloved by many for its comforting taste and versatility. Whether you’re enjoying a warm slice with your morning coffee or serving it as an afternoon snack, the combination of sweet, ripe bananas and crunchy nuts creates a delicious balance of textures and flavors in every bite. The moistness of the bread adds to its richness, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to bring smiles to any table. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a homemade gift, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!
Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients for Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect moist banana nut bread:
- Ripe Bananas – 3 large bananas
- Tip: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The browner the bananas, the sweeter and softer they will be when mashed.
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 ½ cups (180g)
- Tip: Measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid using too much flour, which could make the bread dense.
- Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon
- This helps the bread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the bread.
- Butter – ½ cup (1 stick or 115g), softened
- For a rich, tender crumb. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar – ½ cup (100g)
- Adds sweetness and helps with the moistness of the bread.
- Brown Sugar – ½ cup (100g)
- Light or dark brown sugar works here, and it provides a deeper, molasses-like flavor and extra moisture.
- Eggs – 2 large
- Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the texture and rise of the bread.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Adds a warm, aromatic note to complement the bananas and nuts.
- Chopped Nuts – ¾ cup (about 90g)
- Walnuts or pecans are commonly used, but feel free to use your favorite nuts. Chopped nuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Optional:
- Chocolate Chips – ½ cup (90g)
- For an added indulgence and sweetness, stir in some chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
- If you love a hint of spice, cinnamon is a great addition to elevate the flavor.
- Chocolate Chips – ½ cup (90g)
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in making this banana nut bread perfectly moist, flavorful, and delicious. Enjoy baking!
Directions for Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Follow these detailed instructions to make a deliciously moist banana nut bread:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas
- Peel the 3 ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth, with only a few small lumps remaining. You should have about 1 ½ cups of mashed bananas.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In the same bowl with the mashed bananas, add the ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend these ingredients together until creamy and smooth.
- Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- If you’re using cinnamon (optional), you can add it to this dry mix.
- Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Tip: Avoid overmixing, as this could lead to a dense bread.
- Fold in the Nuts and Optional Add-ins
- Gently fold in the ¾ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) and any optional ingredients like ½ cup chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter twist.
- Make sure the nuts and chips are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan
- Pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Tap the pan lightly on the counter to settle the batter and remove any air bubbles.
- Bake the Banana Nut Bread
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are fine).
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool the Bread
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the banana nut bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After that, remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, slice the banana nut bread into thick, generous pieces.
- Serve as-is, or spread a little butter or cream cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
Enjoy your delicious, moist banana nut bread—perfect for any occasion!
Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Loaf pan For baking the banana bread. This size is ideal for the recipe, giving the bread a nice height and texture.
- Mixing bowls Two medium to large-sized bowls: one for mixing the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons To accurately measure all the ingredients (e.g., flour, sugar, baking soda).
- Fork or Potato Masher For mashing the bananas. You can also use a hand mixer if you prefer.
- Electric mixer or whisk To cream the butter and sugar together, and to combine the wet ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Ripe Bananas
- 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together, then add eggs and vanilla. Fold in the mashed bananas and dry ingredients.
- Stir in the chopped nuts (and optional chocolate chips), pour the batter into the pan, and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: For the best flavor and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe (almost brown). Overripe bananas will provide more sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir until just combined to prevent dense bread. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
- Pan Size: This recipe works best with a 9x5-inch loaf pan. If using a different size, adjust the baking time as needed.
- Baking Time: Ovens may vary, so start checking for doneness at 60 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s still wet, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Storage: To keep the bread fresh, store it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
- Nuts: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a nut-free version, you can omit them or substitute with chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins.
- Customizations: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like cinnamon, nutmeg, or different types of nuts to personalize the flavor to your liking.
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to fully set. This helps avoid the bread breaking apart when slicing.
Tips for the Best Moist Banana Nut Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas
For the best flavor and moisture, opt for bananas that are very ripe—almost brown. The more ripe they are, the sweeter and softer they’ll be when mashed, resulting in a more flavorful and moist bread. - Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so be gentle when combining the ingredients. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. - Grease Your Pan Properly
Grease your loaf pan well with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking and make for an easier cleanup. - Check for Doneness
Test the bread with a toothpick or cake tester. Insert it into the center of the bread, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again. - Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Early
Avoid opening the oven door for the first 20-30 minutes of baking. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the bread to sink or collapse in the middle. - Cool Before Slicing
Allow the banana nut bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set properly and makes slicing easier. It’s best served slightly warm or at room temperature. - Storage for Freshness
To keep the bread moist for several days, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need it to last longer, freeze slices individually and reheat them as needed. - Add Extra Flavor
For a special touch, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or stir in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to create unique variations. - Make It Healthier
Swap out some ingredients for healthier alternatives, such as using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, substituting half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, or using unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter. - Make Mini Loaves for Gifting
For a fun and personal touch, bake mini banana nut bread loaves to give as gifts. Simply adjust the baking time, as smaller loaves will bake faster—check them after 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
These tips will help you create the perfect banana nut bread with a soft, moist texture and rich, delicious flavor!
Conclusion
Making your own moist banana nut bread is a rewarding experience, and the benefits are endless. Not only do you have the opportunity to customize the recipe to suit your personal taste, but you also get to enjoy the delicious, comforting aroma that fills your home as the bread bakes. Homemade banana nut bread is the perfect combination of sweetness, moisture, and texture—thanks to the overripe bananas, rich butter, and crunchy nuts. There’s something special about enjoying a warm slice fresh from the oven or sharing it with loved ones.
By making banana nut bread at home, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s fresher, healthier, and free from preservatives. Plus, you can adjust the level of sweetness, add-ins, and nuts to make it uniquely yours. Whether you prefer walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips, the possibilities are endless. Experimenting with different types of flour, sugar substitutes, or spices like cinnamon can transform the flavor profile to match your preferences.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile—it can be enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. It’s perfect for busy mornings, cozy afternoons, or even as a homemade gift for family and friends. And if you have overripe bananas sitting around, this is the perfect way to use them up rather than throwing them away!
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!