An easy and moist Banana Bread Recipe that is loaded with bananas, tangy-sweet raisins, and toasted walnuts. This is one of our favorite overripe banana recipes with hundreds of 5-star reviews.

Banana Bread on a cutting board with walnuts, raisins and ripe bananas to make healthy banana bread

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Banana Nut Bread Recipe:

This is my husband’s recipe which he has perfected over the years and he is known for his Banana Bread. He makes it frequently and it always disappears fast! It is simple to make and our favorite way to use up overripe bananas so they never go to waste. It’s super moist and makes a great breakfast on-the-go. We even created Banana Muffins from this recipe.

This loaf stays moist for days and also makes for a thoughtful and delicious gift idea for the holidays (I’ll take banana bread over fruit cake any day).

Banana Bread Video Tutorial:

Watch Natasha make this moist banana bread. You will be surprised at how easy it is. We will never stop loving this recipe. Now go forth and bake!

Ingredients for Banana Bread:

This is everything you need to make the best banana bread: flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, vanilla extract, softened butter, eggs and of course very ripe bananas. Adding walnuts and raisins is optional but adds great taste and texture, turning it into a banana nut bread.

Can I Omit Walnuts and Raisins?

YES! The recipe will still work if raisins and walnuts are omitted. We make it nut-free all the time due to a walnut allergy in the family. You will still have the softest, super moist and scrumptious loaf. You can also replace them with some chocolate to make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

Ingredients for Banana Bread with ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, walnuts and raisins

How to Ripen Bananas:

  • Quick Oven Method: If your bananas are a little green and you want them to ripen quicker, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 250˚F for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the initial ripeness of the bananas.
  • 24 Hour Counter Method: If you are willing to wait 1 day, you can place the bunch of bananas (without separating them) in a paper bag, cover and leave at room temperature. Bananas emit ethylene which causes ripening. Adding an apple to the bag will speed up the process.

Can I Freeze Overripe Bananas?

If you have overripe bananas and aren’t ready to bake with them, DO NOT throw them away!

How to Freeze Bananas: place them un-peeled in a freezer-safe bag, remove any excess air and freeze up to 3 months. You can use thawed bananas for banana bread. You can also freeze them peeled and cut into pieces for easier use in smoothies. P.S. You can also freeze a whole banana bread with the same method!

Slices of banana nut bread on a plate

How to Make Banana Bread:

This is the easiest banana bread recipe. We mix it in a stand mixer because it’s easy, but you can use an electric hand mixer and can even make it work with a hand whisk. There is no fancy equipment required. Watch the video tutorial below and you will be a pro in no time!

  1. In the mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
  2. Mix in mashed bananas and eggs.
  3. Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking soda and add to batter.
  4. Stir in vanilla, walnuts, and raisins, transfer to prepared loaf pan and bake.

Substitutions for a Healthy Banana Bread:

  • My sister Anna made this into a honey banana bread; replacing sugar with honey.
  • Use organic whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Replace 1 Tbsp of flour with 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed.
  • Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup when using very ripe bananas; they add plenty of sweetness

Moist banana bread recipe sliced to show banana nut bread center

Love Sweet Breads? Try these Popular Bread Recipes:

We love sweetbreads because they are easy to make and are such a treat, especially when you top them with Honey Butter! Don’t miss these reader favorites:

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Moist Banana Bread Recipe

4.99 from 5153 votes
Banana bread sliced on a cutting board
This Banana Bread Recipe is loaded with ripe bananas, tangy-sweet raisins, and toasted walnuts. It is one of our favorite ripe banana recipes and even better with overripe bananas.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 10 people

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bread loaf pan (9.25 long x 5.25 wide x 2.75 deep). Lightly roast walnuts on a skillet, continuously stirring so they won’t burn. Coarsely chop and cool to room temperature. 
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together 8 Tbsp softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar (or honey if using honey).
  • Mash bananas with a fork until the consistency of chunky applesauce and add them to the batter along with 2 eggs, mixing until blended. 
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together: 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 tsp of salt then add to batter.
  • Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and mix in chopped walnuts and raisins. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350˚F for 55-60 min or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let banana bread rest for 10 min before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

Nutrition Per Serving

350kcal Calories45g Carbs5g Protein18g Fat7g Saturated Fat57mg Cholesterol243mg Sodium270mg Potassium3g Fiber20g Sugar354IU Vitamin A4mg Vitamin C26mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Cholesterol
 
57
mg
19
%
Sodium
 
243
mg
11
%
Potassium
 
270
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
 
45
g
15
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
20
g
22
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
354
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
26
mg
3
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Breakfast, snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana bread, banana nut bread
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 350

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

This banana bread recipe was first published in 2009; one of the very first recipes on our blog! It has been a reader and family favorite ever since.

Moist banana nut bread on kitchen towel

This Banana Bread Recipe is loaded with ripe bananas, tangy sweet raisins and toasted walnuts making it a banana nut bread. One of our favorite ripe banana recipes and even better with overripe bananas! This banana nut bread is super moist, easy and makes a great breakfast on-the-go. | natashaskitchen.com

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Steve Horan
    March 17, 2024

    Hi, Natasha! I am a home cook and run a cooking group on Facebook. It’s called “Cook”. I said that so that you will know that I am not a beginner. I did tweak your recipe slightly, as I used 4 bananas and about a 1/4 cup extra walnuts. Other than that, I followed your recipe pretty closely and it came out spectacular! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 17, 2024

      That’s wonderful to hear! Thanks a lot for sharing that with us, Steve. Always happy to see some great reviews!

      Reply

  • Efren
    March 17, 2024

    Great recipient fast but most of all super delicious
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 17, 2024

      Thank you, glad you love this!

      Reply

  • Joni
    March 17, 2024

    Hi Natasha! Trying your banana bread today! Made a double batch to freeze one! No raisins but put in dried cranberries. Thank you.for the recipe!🩷

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 17, 2024

      You’er welcome!

      Reply

  • Joanne
    March 17, 2024

    Can I put all of the ingredients in together in a bowl using a kitchen aid mixer?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 17, 2024

      Hi Joanne! One of my viewers reported using one bowl to make this and had good results. I recommend following the recipe has written to get the right texture and for the best results but feel free to experiment with is.
      I would be careful not to over-mix the batter if you’re using a stand mixer. An over-mixed batter can lead to a dense and yummy texture.

      Reply

  • Marie Rose
    March 17, 2024

    Delicious, added chocolat chips and omitted raisins and walnut.

    Reply

  • MCKENNA ESTEB
    March 16, 2024

    This banana bread mended my relationship, my ex husband and I are now back together. Thank you.

    Reply

  • Min
    March 15, 2024

    When to add the rest of the butter? Sorry, I just seem to miss that instruction as I only see adding the 8tbsps of butter on the first part. Thanks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 16, 2024

      Hi Min! The recipe only used 1/2 cup butter which is 8tbsp total. I hope they helps clarify.

      Reply

  • Luci LaVoire
    March 13, 2024

    Very moist & delicious! Easy to make! Gobbled it up! Everyine loved it

    Reply

  • Cher
    March 13, 2024

    Banana btead…delicious. I love ur recipes. Everything I have made is delicious

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 13, 2024

      I’m so glad you’re enjoying them, Cher!

      Reply

  • Renata Carlos
    March 13, 2024

    I make this recipe ALWAYS!!!! Evenm my picky husband, loves it! 🥰

    Reply

  • Debbie
    March 12, 2024

    Just made it. It was delicious. I also made some muffins with it. I cup holes in the top and filled them with a mixture of creamcheese, sugar & vanilla then I put the tops back on. It was a Surprise inside when you bite into it. They were very good.

    Reply

  • Julie Scriver
    March 11, 2024

    I’m in Mexico right now, not a lot baking supplies here, I baked this banana bread in an 8×8 glass pan, added some fresh blueberries and baked it for 33 minutes. It was perfect and everyone loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 12, 2024

      Hey Julie, glad to hear that it was a hit! Thankyou for sharing.

      Reply

  • Sherie
    March 11, 2024

    Thank you for this recipe. I’m a good bread maker and zucchini is my best. I thought I’d try this one with the raisins, interesting.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2024

      You’re welcome, Sherie! I hope you loved it!

      Reply

  • rix
    March 10, 2024

    If I’ll make muffins out of this recipe, how many muffins/cupcakes can i make?

    Reply

  • Patricia
    March 10, 2024

    Very good banana bread. Adding an extra banana makes it extra moist.

    Reply

  • Pk
    March 9, 2024

    Hi,
    The recipe looks really good.
    If i use smaller loaf pan and divide the batter for two, how to adjust the oven temperature and time for baking?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 9, 2024

      Hi PK! I haven’t tested this in different size pans to advise on the exact baking times. You can keep the temperature the same but you’ll have to watch it in the oven since they’ll get done faster. You can check for doneness with a toothpick. It will come out clean when they are fully baked through.

      Reply

      • sabrina montoni
        March 12, 2024

        Hi I make this bread all the time and it keep come our flat tastes good but what I am doing worng

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          March 13, 2024

          Hi Sabrina! Are you using the correct size pan for the recipe? Did you make any substitutions? I would check your baking soda, if it’s very old or hasn’t been stored properly, it can loose it’s potency. Also- be sure to fully preheat the oven before you start baking. I highly encourage using a Internal oven thermometer (Amazon affiliate link) to ensure its heating correctly.

          Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.