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 6482 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 6482 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Alicia Woodward
    January 4, 2026

    What’s the best way to store the bread? It’s delicious!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 4, 2026

      Hi Alicia! I’m so glad you love it. For short term storage like 1-2 days you can store it at room temperature. Just wrap it in an airtight container or plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for a maximum of a week and you can also freeze it for longer storage.

      Reply

  • Laura
    January 4, 2026

    This is a perfect simple banana bread recipe. I omitted the walnuts and raisins because my husband doesn’t like them, and I don’t miss them at all. Crust is ideal, flavor is sweet but not too sweet. Moist without being too dense, light but not cake-like.

    10/10. No notes. ❤️

    Reply

  • MeLynda Davis
    January 4, 2026

    I substituted blueberries for the walnuts! Absolutely delicious!

    Reply

  • Cheryl Fijut
    January 4, 2026

    Hi Natasha I am making it right now it smells so good can’t wait to try it we are tired of throwing away the bad bananas I think I am keeping this recipe thank you for simplicity of it can’t wait to try it thank you again Happy New year have a very blessed one !

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 4, 2026

      I hope you loved it, Cheryl! Have a happy and blessed new year!

      Reply

  • Kaytee R
    January 4, 2026

    I added a little cinnamon to the dry ingredients and did chocolate chips instead of nuts. Always a winner!

    Reply

  • Jax
    January 4, 2026

    Hey there! Just wanted to mention that this recipe easily veganizes. I switched the APF for oat flour for added fiber, used flax eggs, and substituted chopped dates for the sugar. Turned out great! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 4, 2026

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Jax!

      Reply

  • Addy
    January 4, 2026

    This recipe is so good !! Can I use Brown sugar ,if yes how much

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 4, 2026

      Hi Addy! Sure, you can replace with the same amount.

      Reply

  • Mrs. Tank
    January 3, 2026

    This has been my tried and true banana bread go to recipe for almost a decade now and every single time I make it I get the ooohs and ahhhs and can we have this recipe- I have made many variations of it as well and it never disappoints! Thank you Natasha’s Kitchen for years of enjoyment! Happy New Year!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 3, 2026

      You’re very welcome! I’m so glad to hear this was a hit!

      Reply

  • ROBERT S FOGLE
    January 3, 2026

    I made this recipe and split the batter into 2 small loaves. Baked them for 40 minutes and they came out perfect. That way I made one loaf with walnuts and one without. Perfect

    Reply

  • Mary Ellen Connelly
    January 2, 2026

    Should the raisins be soaked in warm water and drained (of course) before adding them? My dad swore by doing so when making oatmeal raisin cookies

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 2, 2026

      Hi Mary! That’s not necessary, but you can do so if you’d like.

      Reply

  • Veronica
    January 2, 2026

    I’m not a baker but I love banana bread. I got tired of chucking overripe bananas and this recipe looked so easy and having the video was a plus. The bread was delicious. My family enjoyed it. I did add a dollop of sour cream and had a pan of water in the oven for the first 15 minutes. Next time I think I’ll soak the raisins in rum.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 2, 2026

      I’m so glad you tried and loved this recipe, Veronica!

      Reply

  • Kristi400
    January 2, 2026

    I used duck eggs. Very yummy!

    Reply

  • Nickie Kirby
    January 1, 2026

    I have been searching for the perfect BNB recipe for years and I finally found it. It’s probably the best I have ever baked. I also baked additional loafs with reduced sugar and added tbsp of maple syrup and 1/2 of caramelized chopped apples with some cinnamon and I have to say it was amazing but I couldn’t have done it without this recipe. its absolutely amazing.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 1, 2026

      Thank you for your awesome feedback! I’m happy to know that you loved this Banana Bread recipe!

      Reply

  • Christina Vallas
    January 1, 2026

    This is the best banana bread I have ever had. It is easy to make and so moist with great flavor. The family loved it.

    Reply

  • Debra Bush
    January 1, 2026

    Great recipe. My family asks for for this every week

    Reply

  • Birgit
    January 1, 2026

    Very good. I have made this loads of times. Buy her book. Perfect Orthodox Christmas present

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 1, 2026

      Thank you for your kind and thoughtful review, Birgit!

      Reply

  • Regina Bongiovanni
    January 1, 2026

    Excellent recipe. I cut the sugar to 1/2 cup

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 1, 2026

      Thank you for sharing that with me, Regina!

      Reply

  • Debra Donnelly
    January 1, 2026

    I love this banana bread. I substitute raisins for the walnuts , I also put in a grated carrot. I get so many compliments on it. I do give it as a gift ! Thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 1, 2026

      I’m so glad to hear that, Debra! Thank you for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Ellie Boyd
    January 1, 2026

    I always have trouble with my banana bread sinking in the middle. Does this recipe rise properly or do you have any suggestions so my loaf won’t sink?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 1, 2026

      Hi Ellie, this is one of my most popular recipes with over 7000 reviews on the blog alone, we have never had a problem with it sinking. Be sure to use the correct size pan – this is important, your oven is properly calibrated and pre-heated and your ingredeints are not expired (baking soda) and it should be perfect. I hope you love it.

      Reply

      • Ellie Boyd
        January 1, 2026

        Thanks so much for giving me confidence! I will try this recipe when my bananas are super ripe!

        Reply

    • Jacqulyn Vance
      January 2, 2026

      Could possibly be not enough baking soda

      Reply

  • Ashley
    December 31, 2025

    This banana nut bread turned out amazing. The flavor was very tasty, the slight crisp on the top edge of the bread I loved, and there was a perfect amount of moist consistency. I actually used a combination of brown sugar (1/2 cup), pure cane sugar (less than 1/4 cup), and honey (about 1 tbsp) for the sweetness. I put in just a little less amount of each liquid ingredient to compensate for the brown sugar and honey I used. Also, I did not add any raisins since I am not a fan of those in my breads.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 31, 2025

      Thank you for sharing that with us! Happy to hear that you loved the Banana Bread!

      Reply

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