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 6172 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 6172 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Lynn Kalcic
    January 7, 2019

    Natasha
    Is it possible for you to give the mashed bananas in weight (a measurement)? All bananas vary in size. Some of the bread recipes I have tried look beautiful in the pan when baked, when tester is inserted it comes out clean, but when cooled and cut the middle of the bread is raw. Your recipe looks delicious and many people have given it 5 stars, but I hesitate to put the time and expense into yet another banana bread recipe that is not baked in the middle. I have checked the temperature of the oven and use the bread loaf pans that are recommened in the recipes, but still have the problem — so I am thinking it might be the ratio of bananas and dry ingredients

    Your help is very appreciated

    Thanks,
    Lynn

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 7, 2019

      Hi Lynn, I didn’t measure it that way but this recipe but it is about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. I hope you love this banana bread rec

      Reply

  • Diana Van Dusen
    January 6, 2019

    Delicious! I just made this tonight and it was perfect! Even my father in law, who isnt a bid sweet eater, had seconds. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 6, 2019

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Michelle
    January 5, 2019

    I’ve made this recipe 4 times now and each loaf has turned out perfectly. I do substitute the raisins with chocolate chips, due to preference and used slivered almonds when I was out of walnuts. This is my go to recipe now and is a very quick prep. It also doubles very nicely. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 5, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Joanne
    December 30, 2018

    I just made banana bread with frozen bananas. I’m not happy with it though. It came out too dense and wet. Was I suppose to so something that I didn’t do?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 31, 2018

      Hi Joanne, if you are using frozen bananas, they can release a fair amount of liquid when they thaw – be sure to drain off any excess water before mashing and adding bananas to the mixer. Also, double check that your baking soda is fresh and still active. Hope that helps!

      Reply

      • Joanne
        January 4, 2019

        Yes thanks. I drained some liquid off but they were so mushy. I think I’ll stick with unfrozen bananas. Then the bread comes out wonderful.

        Reply

  • Zainub
    December 30, 2018

    It’s the best perfect banana bread I he made. It turned out so yummy n perfect. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 31, 2018

      You’re so welcome! I’m happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Mayna
    December 29, 2018

    I am making this recipe right now. I added nutmeg and used craisins and pecans. I can’t wait to eat it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 30, 2018

      Your home must smell amazing!! Thank you for that great review!

      Reply

  • Tokyoola
    December 28, 2018

    Great recipe!
    Substituted butter with coconut oil 1 to 1, added one more banana and used honey instead of sugar (1/2 cup instead of 2/3). My only mistake was probably using whole walnuts – they turned out moist. I should had broken them I guess?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 29, 2018

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that! Yes, having the walnuts in smaller pieces should help that!

      Reply

  • Marlene Perkal
    December 25, 2018

    from marlene….happy holidays2019 i made the banana bread .i made chocolate bread ,,,,,very good in taste .with coffee it is heaven …i

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 25, 2018

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Sana Nawaz
    December 22, 2018

    This looks like a great recipe. Will try today…do you recommend caster or granulated sugar?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 22, 2018

      Hi Sana, I recommend granulated sugar for our banana bread recipe. I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Chivi
    December 21, 2018

    This recipe is EXCELLENT – recommended and will use again
    I made 5 loaves (multiplied this recipe 5 times)
    I used one VERY RIPE banana and another 14 ripe bananas
    Pans I used were 8.5″x4.75″x2.5″
    Used cooking spray
    Used convection baking option
    Oven was at 350 for 20 mins before I began cooking

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 21, 2018

      Thank you for that great review!!

      Reply

  • Helen
    December 19, 2018

    My banana bread rise nicely in the oven, but soon after I took out from the oven after it’s done, it’s kind of collapsed on itself, became dense, not fluffy anymore?
    Any suggestions?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 19, 2018

      Hi Helen, I haven’t had that happen before but I am always happy to help troubleshoot. My first though is to make sure the baking soda is fresh and still active and also to make sure you are using the correct amount and not substituting it with anything else (like baking powder which has 1/4 the strength of baking soda). Any other substitutions might affect the rise or baking on a different mode such as convection without making the necessary temp or time modifications. I sure hope that helps!

      Reply

      • Helen
        December 20, 2018

        Thank you! I use the double action baking powder 1tsp. Should I increase the amount roughly 4 fold then?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 20, 2018

          That would be correct. But using baking soda would be best 🙂

          Reply

          • Helen
            December 21, 2018

            Thanks!

  • Frin Sapit
    December 17, 2018

    Hi Natsha! Can you please convert in cups the 3 med/laarge ripe mashed banana. I really want to try this recipe, my mother is a great fan of banana bread. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 18, 2018

      Hi Frin, I didn’t measure it that way but this recipe but it is about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. I hope you love this banana bread recipe and stay tuned – I’ll be posted a chocolate chip version shortly! 🙂

      Reply

  • M. Anique Azam
    December 17, 2018

    That was ah-mazing! The first recipe I tried for Banana Bread, and the one I guess I’m sticking to! lol!
    I always made it with Brown Sugar and once with half brown sugar, half honey! Tonight was my third one, doubled in quantity with black raisins! Anything works best with it! Whole wheat flour, walnuts!
    Thank you Natasha!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 17, 2018

      YES!!! I’m so happy to hear that it’s an instant hit for you 🙂 Thank you for sharing that with me 🙂 This banana bread is our go-to as well (obviously!) 😉

      Reply

  • Kim
    December 15, 2018

    I really liked this bread,I added a little cinnamon but did not use the raisins.it has a nice flavor. I will make it again soon

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 15, 2018

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that! Thank you for that great review!!

      Reply

  • Ginger
    December 11, 2018

    Can pecans be submitted for walnuts?

    Reply

  • Irina
    December 8, 2018

    This banana bread is sooo delicious! This will definitely be my go-to recipe for banana bread! I followed your tips and used honey instead of sugar and organic whole wheat flour instead of all purpose flour. I only had 2 ripe bananas on hand, so I added 1/2 a cup of applesauce. I also used chopped pecans instead of walnuts. It is moist with a little crunch and not overly sweet. It’s so perfect!!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 8, 2018

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • diane
    December 8, 2018

    This is the best banana bread I’ve ever made! It’s so moist and full of flavor. I used bread flour, did not toast the walnuts, used salted butter, and threw in an extra 1/2 banana. Delicious! Thank you for the recipe!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 8, 2018

      I’m so inspired reading your review. Thank you!

      Reply

  • Lee
    December 2, 2018

    is there anything i can use to replace butter?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 3, 2018

      Hi Lee, I haven’t experimented with anything else, but one of my readers wrote in with the following helpful review: “The bread turns out rich and moist and wonderful!!! I have tweaked it a bit (as all bakers do) by using virgin coconut oil instead of butter, and using 1/2 cup of white sugar & 1/2 cup brown sugar in place of just white… Finally I use milk chocolate chips instead of raisins or nuts. It is to die for!!!!

      Reply

  • Mercy Paul
    November 30, 2018

    Hi Natasha,that’s a great recipe n can’t wait to try it!
    Btw wts the cup measurement used? Is it 250ml?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 30, 2018

      Hi, If you click in the recipe card on the word “Metric”, it will display the measurements in grams by weight. I hope that helps! A liquid cup is 250mL while the weights of dry ingredients vary which is why we have them listed also in grams.

      Reply

  • Michael
    November 29, 2018

    Thank you for sharing your recipe, it was delicious! I made a few tweaks-
    added 2 more Tablespoons of flourr(only to make it more cake-like since I only had a 13X9 pan.)
    -added 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
    -added 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
    -added 1/2 cup of cranberries
    I reduced the baking time to 35 minutes due to the type of pan and size.
    It came out moist and delicious! I’ve used a few of your other recipes and I look forward to trying more! Thanks so much for your blog!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 29, 2018

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

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