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 6214 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 6214 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Vjosa
    March 25, 2019

    can you please let me know what kind of cup you are using, how many ml cup?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 25, 2019

      Hi Vjosa, are you referring to the measuring cup? Here is our link to tips on measuring.

      Reply

  • Debbie Thoms
    March 16, 2019

    This is a great recipe…Baked it a few times now great hit with everyone

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 16, 2019

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

      Reply

  • Crystal
    March 12, 2019

    I used this recipe and it is the best by far, I ended up making muffins instead and I baked them for about 16 min then I let them rest and they were DELICIOUS 😋 Thank You for sharing this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 13, 2019

      I’m so glad you enjoyed that, Crystal! Thank you for sharing this with me!

      Reply

  • Steve
    March 10, 2019

    Awesome

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2019

      I’m glad you enjoyed that, Steve

      Reply

  • Yashasvi
    March 7, 2019

    If we don’t have a oven… How to bake in a microwave I mean how many minutes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 7, 2019

      Hi Yashasvi! I have not tested that in the microwave and I’m not certain that will turn out so I can not advise. If you experiment please let me know how you like that.

      Reply

  • Dee
    March 2, 2019

    Hi, i loved this recipe. I will like to try it in a gluten free one with almond flour, can you please tell me what i should add and the quantity of the almond flour ?Usually this flour is heavier than the regular one.TIA

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 2, 2019

      Hi Dee, Great question! I haven’t tried this with almond flour yet but it might work. It doesn’t look like anyone else commenting tried it. If you experiment please let me know how you like it.

      Reply

      • Dee
        March 3, 2019

        I will, thanks for your prompt response.

        Reply

  • Sarah
    March 1, 2019

    Can I change the all purpose flour for oat flour? Should I use the same amount? Is it the same amount if I want to use honey instead of sugar? Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 2, 2019

      Hi Sarah! I haven’t tried that but here is what one of my readers noted “Dis recipe is the truth. Made it as muffins and did some modifications. Used 1/2 stick of butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tsp baking powder and 11/2 cup oat flour with cinnamon. Didn’t use nuts nor raisins. Sprinkled oats on top. It was super moist and so delicious! Baked 30 mins @ 180•c. Thanks Natasha!!!” I hope this helps

      Reply

  • Christine Eichenberger
    February 27, 2019

    Hello what can i do as an alternative for the raisin? My son doesnt like raisin????

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 27, 2019

      Hi Christine! Chocolate chips will work. Also, one of our readers wrote in with the following you may want to try “I made it with dried tart cherries instead of raisins. Great recipe! Thank you Natasha!” I hope that helps!

      Reply

    • Anna
      March 23, 2019

      Excellent recipe (as always from Natasha’s Kitchen!). I followed the recipe except I also added thin slices of a slightly under-ripe banana as well,(I love the tartness they have) and a tbsp of sour cream. It is the best banana bread I’ve ever made and a hit with the family! Thank you! It

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        March 23, 2019

        You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it & thank you so much for sharing that with me 🙂

        Reply

  • Katerina @ diethood .com
    February 26, 2019

    Oh wow! I would LOVE this with my morning coffee, it looks faaantastic!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 26, 2019

      Hi Katerina! This is our favorite with morning coffee! Thank you for that wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Jessica Burgess
    February 26, 2019

    I love banana bread so much and tell myself that it’s healthy since it has bananas in it. Haha!!! Thank you for this delish recipe! XO

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 26, 2019

      You’re so nice, Jessica! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Alli
    February 26, 2019

    I love the raisins in this recipe. It really sets it apart from all others. Tastes amazing.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 26, 2019

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

      Reply

  • Aimee Shugarman
    February 26, 2019

    Easy banana bread that turned out delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 26, 2019

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

      Reply

  • Suzy Karadsheh
    February 26, 2019

    This banana bread recipe looks delicious. I love that you used raisins, I’ll bet they add great flavor

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 26, 2019

      They sure do, Suzy!! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Steph Thomas
    February 21, 2019

    EVERY. SINGLE. TIME I make banana bread I have to burn it in order for it to cook in the middle. I am normally a pretty good cook and can cook zucchini bread and cook lots of other things but banana bread is my nemesis. My daughter keeps wanting me to cook banana bread but I keep having to burn the outside to cook the inside. Any tips? I have used metal, and silicone pans and this last time I put it on the lowest rack and lightly covered it with tin foil. Didn’t burn as black but still very very dark brown.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 22, 2019

      Hi Steph, it is normal for the edges to be a rich brown color with banana breads but it definitely should not be burned. A lighter color pan can help with getting a lighter color, but the flavor should still be the same. Also, make sure you are using the regular bake mode and not convection mode since you would have to modify the temp or time in that case to achieve the same results. I hope that helps to troubleshoot. 🙂

      Reply

      • Betty
        February 27, 2019

        Try making mini muffins, it always works for me. I added mayo to make creamy and a bit of cream cheese and cinnamon. My mix in was Reese’s peanut butter cups(mini).

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          February 27, 2019

          Thank you for sharing that with me, Betty!

          Reply

    • Rita S
      February 22, 2019

      I had the same problem until I checked my pan size. I was using a standard loaf pan but Natasha’s recipe says to use the larger, 9×5 loaf pan. Now I have no problem with it the middle cooking through at the suggested time.

      Reply

    • Dana
      March 11, 2019

      I always remove about 3/4 cup of the finished dough before putting in loaf pan
      I had the same burning problems
      This did the trick
      ALSO
      if you love raw cookie dough or cake batter
      The batter is delicious raw
      😂😂😂😂😂

      Reply

  • Brock
    February 16, 2019

    Natasha, I googled best Banana bread ever and picked your from the many, specifically because as much as L like chocolate, I find it too sweet for already sweet banana bread. Then I wentt through my pantry and used raisins but also added 50% more but substituted dried blueberries and cherries (just cuz I wanted to use them up) and did not have enough Walnuts so used 1/2 walnuts and half Pecans. OMG…I should have made 4 pans instead of 2. They are gone in 24 hours. You are my banana bread hero..thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 16, 2019

      That’s so great, Brock!! It sounds like you have a new favorite! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review with us!!

      Reply

  • Mona ali
    February 15, 2019

    I love you Natasha so much I am from Bahrain my name Mona Ali

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 16, 2019

      Wow! That’s so great! I’m so happy you discovered out blog!

      Reply

  • Diane
    February 13, 2019

    Hey Natasha 🙂 I tried baking this cake and it came awesome. My family and my friends loved it. I shall be doing it again, since some requested they wanted to taste it when they saw photos on facebook. How much grams of this cake would make a serving? Thanks and keep up the good work of sharing recipes. Much love.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 14, 2019

      I’m so glad you loved the banana bread! That’s wonderful! We don’t measure servings in grams but 1 loaf is about 10 services or slices. You could do 6-10 servings depending on how large you sliced your pieces.

      Reply

  • Deb Ray
    February 12, 2019

    Natasha, made you banana bread. Center did not cook completely. The two ends were cooked through. If I cook longer the outside is to brown. Ate an end piece and it was delicious. Thanks for sharing the fecipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 12, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Deb! What kind of pan were you using? Was the loaf possibly too close to the heat source in the oven?

      Reply

      • Deb Ray
        February 15, 2019

        Glass container and sits in the oven middle rack. I did use a large flat pan underneath the glass container, could this be the problem? Do you prefer metal or glass when baking?

        Waiting for more instant pot recipes, keep those going. Love your smiles and good attitude while cooking.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          February 15, 2019

          It’s hard to say without being there, we did use a metal loaf pan to bake the bread in.

          Reply

  • BarbaraM
    February 10, 2019

    I made this banana nut bread this rainy afternoon and it is fabulous!! Perfectly moist and very flavorful. I will makes this again and again! It was really good with sweet butter.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 10, 2019

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

      Reply

  • Bob Hodgson
    February 9, 2019

    Thank you so much for sharing your family recipe of banana bread. I made it for the first time and it turned out perfect and it was so easy and quick. I am a novice baker, but this recipe made me look like a pro. I enjoy all your recipes and videos and you have become my “go to” chef.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 9, 2019

      Thank you for that wonderful compliment! I’m so inspired reading your review.

      Reply

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