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 6208 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 6208 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Jeuca
    October 30, 2024

    This is a delicious, extremely moist loaf. It tasted good on the first day but had a deeper flavor and was easier to cut after an overnight rest in the refrigerator. I definitely will make it again.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 30, 2024

      That’s wonderful to hear! Glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Cindy
    October 29, 2024

    Natasha’s recipe is always a hit in my home. It’s easy to make, moist & so delicious !!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 29, 2024

      So glad you love it, Cindy!

      Reply

  • D
    October 29, 2024

    First time ever making banana bread. Followed the directions and it turned out delicious. Thank you for making it easy. Do you recommend waiting until it is completely cooled before storing?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 29, 2024

      Hi D! You’re very welcome. So glad you loved it. Yes, wait for it to cool then it can be wrapped for storing.

      Reply

  • Hina
    October 29, 2024

    The first time I made this was excellent, except that it browned fast and finished much before 55 min. It browned withouhjt cooking through so I reduced the temp to finish, but it was so soft without being moist. The second time however, the batter was more liquidy (I knew smth was wrong cuz I remembered scooping the batter) and it browned much faster, but the end result was a moist wet banana bread. I don’t understand what could have gone wrong ??? 😭 it was so nice the first time 🙁

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 30, 2024

      Hi Hina! Are you using a conventional oven? If you’re using a convection/fan oven, you’ll need to make adjustments to time/temp since it bakes faster. The type of pan also makes a difference in how it bakes since the material it’s made of can distribute heat differently. It could also be the way things were measured. Make sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid packing it down or weigh it if you have a food scale.

      Reply

  • Melissa
    October 28, 2024

    I followed the recipe to a T not sure what happened but it didn’t rise at all and it was like mushy. I baked it for 55 minutes. I don’t know if the bananas were too ripe but I had to throw the whole thing in the garbage. What did I do that was wrong? 😓

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 30, 2024

      Hi Melissa. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. Using bananas that are overly ripe could add a bit more moisture to the banana bread, making it more dense and heavy. Over-mixing the batter can also make it dense and heavy.
      I would make sure that your leavening is not expired or old. Make sure to fully preheat your oven before baking and if you are high altitude, you may try to bake it for 5 to 10 minutes longer. Also, if you are using a different size pan, you may need to adjust the baking time. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Dennis
    October 28, 2024

    I’ve been making this almost once a week recently. I like it with dark chocolate chips and pecans instead of raisins and walnuts plus some cinnamon and nutmeg. Highly recommend.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 28, 2024

      Sounds delicious, Dennis! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

    • Jessika
      October 29, 2024

      How much nutmeg and cinnamon did you add Dennis??

      Reply

  • Barbara Devos
    October 28, 2024

    This recipe easily replaces my old tried and true one I’ve used for 30 years. My old one used shortening instead of butter but we all know now how unhealthy shortening is. With Natasha’s recipe I can not only feel good about the natural ingredients, I can also rejoice that this banana bread tastes better than my family’s favorite. They love this one more!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 28, 2024

      Hi Barbara. That is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing that. I’m glad you love this recipe.

      Reply

  • raven
    October 28, 2024

    yummy

    Reply

  • IvyLynnC
    October 26, 2024

    Recipe was just ok for me. It baked oddly dark throughout. Not sure why? It tasted ok and was moist enough.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 26, 2024

      Hi Ivy! Did you use a convection/fan oven?
      If so, it would bake too fast on the outside and would need the temperature/time adjusted. This recipe was tested in a conventional oven.
      Also- the type of material the pan is made from
      can effect how it bakes due to how it distributes heat.

      Reply

      • JC
        October 27, 2024

        I add nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon to the flour. Delicious bread.

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          October 27, 2024

          Sounds wonderful! Love that idea.

          Reply

  • Aj
    October 26, 2024

    I used chocolate chips instead of raisin. But my bread turned out very moist and perfect. I did go off one review and cut the cook time by five mins. Will make this again and again ☺️

    Reply

  • Car
    October 26, 2024

    I just chose this recipe with a toss of a coin. It’s the best tasting. I doubled the recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 26, 2024

      Hi Car! I’m so glad you tried the recipe. Thank you for the wonderful feedback.

      Reply

  • Brenda
    October 26, 2024

    I made two loafs one loaf I mixed the toasted walnuts in the batter, and the 2nd loaf I just put some of the walnuts on the top of the mixture once it was in the pan. I also added a little brown sugar on top of the walnuts on the 2nd loaf. I really liked the way the 2nd loaf tasted with the touch of brown sugar on top and some walnuts on top. They both came out perfect! Yummy.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 26, 2024

      That sounds Brenda. Thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Anna
    October 25, 2024

    Great recipe! I did half a cup of honey and 1/4 cup of sugar. The loaf came out quite a bit darker than other banana bread I’ve done, and it had a slightly more springy texture. I prefer a bit more raisins/cranberries so the mixture of fruit and nuts is about equal. It was still delicious and I’ll probably try it again with just a few adjustments

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 26, 2024

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Anna. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Kiva
    October 25, 2024

    The best banana bread recipe! It’s so simple, reliable & delicious. I substitute the flour for GF Bob’ Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour, and the butter for macadamia nut oil and presto, a delicious Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free version.

    Reply

  • Donna
    October 25, 2024

    I only have an 8”x 4” loaf pan. Will that work? Also have an 8” square cake pan.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 25, 2024

      Hi Donna. I haven’t tested this recipe in different size pans. I may have a bit too much batter for your 8” loaf pan. Depending on how deep it is it may work but likely will need extra minutes in the oven since the loaf will be shorter and taller.

      Reply

  • Nayanna
    October 24, 2024

    Literally perfect and so moist. Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 24, 2024

      You are so welcome!

      Reply

  • Susan Chapman
    October 24, 2024

    I made this bread today, and it turned out great. Very delicious! I had good luck making 3 mini loaves instead of the single large loaf. (Same recipe, same oven temp, just bake approximately 30 minutes)

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 24, 2024

      Thank you for sharing that with us, Susan!

      Reply

  • Eliza
    October 24, 2024

    Perfect recipe for me! Loved it. My second time making it. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 24, 2024

      You’re so welcome, Eliza! I’m so happy you loved it!

      Reply

  • Charity
    October 23, 2024

    This is my go-to banana bread recipe. It’s fantastic with or without walnuts and raisins.

    Reply

  • Sarah
    October 22, 2024

    This is the banana bread recipe I’ve been searching for! I subbed the walnuts & raisins for 1 cup of mini chocolate chips and baked it for 65 mins, tenting it with aluminum foil the last 10 because it was getting too dark. An absolute keeper. So delicious!! My new go to.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 22, 2024

      Hi Sarah! That’s wonderful news. Thanks for the feedback. So happy you found my recipe.

      Reply

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