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

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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:

Moist Banana Bread Recipe

4.97 from 6094 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
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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
4.97 from 6094 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Christina
    June 7, 2024

    I tried your recipe for the banana bread it was so delicious.
    love your all your recipes They’re very easy to follow Natasha

    Reply

  • F
    June 6, 2024

    Can I p put prepared banana bread in the fridge to cook in a while?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      June 6, 2024

      Hi, it’s best to bake right away to maximize the leavening power. I would bake right away and store leftovers which keep really well for several days.

      Reply

  • Donna
    June 6, 2024

    I had three overripe bananas I didn’t want to toss, looked up a recipe for banana bread and since yours had moist in the title I chose yours. But mad it with raisins and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon since my husband is allergic to nuts. Can’t wait , still has 40 minutes to bake. Thanks for the recipe

    Reply

  • Jamin
    June 6, 2024

    I thought the recipe is nice and simple. I cooked in restaurants for about 6 years. It was easy and straightforward it is in the oven right now and I am looking forward to seeing if mine is better than my wife’s lol all thanks to you

    Reply

  • Chas
    June 3, 2024

    My 10-year old son found this recipe today. We just finished the recipe together and put it in the oven. Excited to try!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 3, 2024

      I hope you both love it! I’m so happy to hear you’re making this together!

      Reply

  • Sarah
    June 2, 2024

    OH, my lord. I’m eating this right now (without raisins) but it’s still warm from the oven and I spread a little salted butter on it. This is for breakfast tomorrow and I have a lasagna in the oven now, but I seriously could spoil my dinner with this.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 2, 2024

      Sounds great! I’m glad you’re enoying it a lot!

      Reply

    • Donna M
      June 7, 2024

      I made a few adjustments. I used 1cup of sugar , half white & half brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of molasses, chopped dried pineapple & about a teaspoon of cinnamon.
      It was moist & delicious. Definitely would recommend this recipe.

      Reply

  • Shelly Constant
    June 2, 2024

    I made this last night and it turned out great.
    I have no business modifying any recipe but I only had one egg on hand. So I added the one egg and a total of 4 large bananas, based on web search for substitute.
    I didn’t expect it would turn out that great, and figured I already messed it up, so I continued to modify..
    Based off another review of adding Greek yogurt, I added 1/4 cup of kefir, (berry flavored – but I figured you can’t taste it. And I couldn’t..)
    And based off another review I did use granulated sugar but substituted 1/4 cup with brown sugar, because I wanted the best of both worlds. lol
    I checked it after baking 55 min.
    But knew my oven bakes slow and with all the modifications that keep it moist, It needed another 20 minutes.
    And then it was perfect. Thanks for the recipe and to all the reviews.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 2, 2024

      Thanks a lot for sharing your experience in detail. Glad to hear that it still turned out great!

      Reply

  • Katie
    June 2, 2024

    Did the chocolate chips instead of raisins. Amazing!! Everyone asked me for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 2, 2024

      I’m so glad it was a huge success!

      Reply

  • Doris.
    June 2, 2024

    I made this last week for family and it didn’t last a day,have to Make more.I think I will make multiples and freeze them. What’s the best way to freeze them. I would usually wrap them in Saran wrap and then put them in a large Ziploc bag. Is that okay?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 3, 2024

      Yes, you can make more and freeze them. Once the loaf is fully cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap. Then, wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and store the wrapped loaf in the freezer.

      Reply

  • Dina Abdul Wahab
    June 2, 2024

    I did the Banana bread recipe, so soft, moist and taste delicious. my family all love it.

    Reply

  • Emily
    June 1, 2024

    I made this recipe tonight. Since I had no walnuts or raisins I added chocolate chips. Thought I’d try a honey glaze on top. Once 3 minutes from being done I drizzled honey on top and broiled for 3 minutes. OMG I’m going to have to try honey on top of my peanut butter banana bread as well. So yummy

    Reply

  • Odelia
    June 1, 2024

    It came out perfectly moist, delicious!! I added in a 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt (because I read that it helps retain moisture) and I also browned the butter, highly recommend!! I also have a question Natasha – how many grams is a serving in your nutrition label? Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 1, 2024

      Hi Odelia, I wish I measured it this way. The recipe serves 10 people. So it with be 1/10th of the recipe.

      Reply

  • Emily Smith
    June 1, 2024

    Great banana bread recipe! I used 1/2 c. sugar and added some molasses as well. Also subbed a quarter cup of coconut oil for half of the butter. Anddd added pecans and chocolate chips! Very addicting!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 1, 2024

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • NZ
    June 1, 2024

    So perfect my husband called it “The platonic ideal of banana bread”.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 1, 2024

      It is that popular for good reason! I’m so happy you both loved it, NZ!

      Reply

  • Jessica L.
    May 31, 2024

    Oh my god! The best one yet! I’m not a fan of raisins and unfortunately I did not have walnuts. To make it like a dessert I added chocolate chips and it was so good. This banana bread is so moist and just perfect. My husband loved it!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 1, 2024

      I’m so glad to hear you loved it, Jessica! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Kelly
    May 31, 2024

    I made this in silicone and it was not really as moist as I expected. I wonder if metal over silicone makes a difference. I will try reducing time from 55 to 50 and try again.

    Reply

  • Astrid de Cuba
    May 31, 2024

    Natasha can i replace the banana to pineapple crush or do you have a pineapple bread?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 1, 2024

      Hi Astrid, I have not tried this with pineapple to advise. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Barba
    May 31, 2024

    I’ve this recipe, have made many times. I also use this for the base for other quick breads by changing the fruit. My famiy’s favorite is a strawberry guava using a straw berry/guava fruit spread. Thanks so much for posting this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 31, 2024

      I’m so happy you all enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Barba!

      Reply

  • Henny
    May 30, 2024

    I don’t know how many times I make this banana bread. It is the only banana bread my family and friends are really like. I can mix with any fruits and nuts and still baked successfuly. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 30, 2024

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Henny! I’m so glad to hear this is a family favorite.

      Reply

  • Annette
    May 30, 2024

    I’ve tried this recipe yesterday and it came out pretty good, I used brown sugar, instead white sugar and I added 3 sprinkles of cinnamon to it, however the banana bread is too dry. Next time I’ll add another banana and I will bake the banana bread only for 45 min. I think 55-60 min is too long.

    Reply

    • Jessica L.
      May 31, 2024

      I’d make sure the rack is in the middle and not too close to the top. Every oven is different. Like with mine 55 mins left it a little undercooked so I did 60min and it left it just right. I always start with the minimum cook time. Also my bananas were large. I hope this helps!

      Reply

    • Prima
      June 1, 2024

      Yes I checked mine at 45mins and it was perfect. It was delicious though I loved the recipe. I doubled my bananas, an extra egg with an extra cup and half of flour because I wanted more servings. It was perfect.

      Reply

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