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

4.96 from 6768 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
4.96 from 6768 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Tatiana
    June 22, 2026

    My son baked it on the weekend and the whole family enjoyed it. He used chocolate chip in place of raisins and it was fantastic.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 22, 2026

      Thank you for sharing, Tatiana. Chocolate chips sound like a delicious substitute for the raisins. I am so glad the whole family enjoyed it.

      Reply

  • debbie
    June 21, 2026

    hi, i am going to use this recipe, have made zillions of banana breads. i will add chocolate chips, though, along with chopped/crushed pistachios, and a touch of “chai spice’. have done this before with similar recipes, and it tasted great.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 22, 2026

      That sounds like a wonderful flavor combination. The chai spice, pistachios, and chocolate chips will be a delicious addition to the bread.

      Reply

  • Kristen
    June 21, 2026

    Used this recipe, but it ended up with caramelized crust and the inside seemed raw, yet didn’t stick to the toothpick. I don’t know if “undercooked” is the right word to describe. It’s just a little more gooey than a normal banana bread, doesn’t look like the original. Maybe I did something wrong?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 21, 2026

      It sounds like the oven may have been running a bit hot, which cooks the outside faster than the inside. Next time, you can tent it loosely with foil if it is browning too quickly. Also, ensure your bananas are measured accurately, as extra moisture can make the texture a bit gooey.

      Reply

  • Ariana
    June 20, 2026

    Second time making this with semi sweet chocolate chips. Turns out amazing.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 20, 2026

      That’s another great add-in; this is our favorite banana bread recipe.

      Reply

  • Patty
    June 20, 2026

    Made this three times now and this is the best banana bread ever!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 20, 2026

      We make this so often. It’s a family favorite in our kitchen.

      Reply

  • Rachel Zavala
    June 19, 2026

    Have made this countless times now, I’ve also added mini chocolate chips into the batter as well as added them on top of the loaf and sprinkled a little sea salt to top the chocolate and people LOVE it!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 19, 2026

      That sounds wonderful! I’m sure it was great.

      Reply

  • Chip
    June 18, 2026

    First time making this bread with no nuts and a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate chips, and it turned out a little burnt and dry around 30 minutes on 340.F It was cooked thoroughly all the way through. Our gas oven runs hot, so I wasn’t too surprized. Thank you for the great new base recipe!

    Reply

  • RSbria
    June 17, 2026

    Have made this recipe a dozen times! Thank you! We make loaves, muffins, and mini-versions with this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 17, 2026

      Making this a dozen times is the ultimate compliment. I love that you have adapted it into muffins and mini-versions too. Thank you so much for being a loyal reader and for sharing your wonderful feedback.

      Reply

    • Shawn
      June 20, 2026

      How long and what temp do you do muffins?

      Reply

  • Ruby Yamada
    June 16, 2026

    Love your banana bread recipe! So moist with walnuts and chocolate chips! I made your zucchini bread, too, using your recipe. Also delicious! Especially with zucchini in season right now.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      June 16, 2026

      Hi Ruby! I’m so glad you loved the zucchini bread too; it really is the perfect way to use up that fresh summer zucchini. Thank you for the sweet feedback!

      Reply

  • karen meeks
    June 16, 2026

    Question: can I use a 9×9 pan in place of the loaf pan?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 16, 2026

      Hi Karen! A 9×9 pan will work, but the banana bread will be thinner and will bake faster than in a loaf pan. I recommend to start checking for doneness about 10–15 minutes earlier, and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Hope you love the banana bread!

      Reply

  • Gab
    June 16, 2026

    Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 16, 2026

      For brown sugar, here’s what one of my readers wrote trying brown sugar “I did all brown sugar instead of white sugar because the molasses in it helps keep the bread moist plus I just like the flavor better. Also added about a tablespoon of maple syrup and pecans instead of walnuts. Very very yummy and will make again!” I hope this helps.

      Reply

  • Virginia Lahti
    June 15, 2026

    Literally the BEST banana bread I’ve ever had. I left out the raisins and walnuts and added chocolate chips (measured with the heart)

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 16, 2026

      Thank you for your great feedback! I”m happy that you enjoyed the banana bread a lot.

      Reply

  • Nicole
    June 15, 2026

    Absolutely delicious!!! I am making a second loaf tonight with the rest of the bananas.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 15, 2026

      I’m so glad you loved it, Nicole!

      Reply

  • Kathy Schleyer
    June 13, 2026

    My baking soda is on its last legs. It’s probably inactive, so I was worried about my Banana Bread. Even so, it is DELICIOUS!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 13, 2026

      I’m so glad it worked out, Kathy!

      Reply

  • Ruth Sallinger
    June 13, 2026

    I have tried a lot of banana bread recipes and this one is definitely the best!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      June 13, 2026

      Wow, that is the ultimate compliment, Ruth! With so many banana bread recipes out there, I’m honored that this one is your favorite. Thank you!

      Reply

  • Danielle
    June 12, 2026

    The absolute best banana bread recipe I have tried! Keeping this in my recipes for the future. I made 2 loaves for my coworkers, one with chocolate chips & the other with cinnamon sugar. I can’t wait to get their reactions! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 12, 2026

      Awesome! That’s kind of you to share the banana bread with your coworkers. I hope they love it too!

      Reply

  • Keren
    June 12, 2026

    Hi! I only have salted butter. Can I use salted butter and leave something out?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 13, 2026

      Hi Keren, yes, you can use salted butter and omit the salt in the recipe.

      Reply

  • Marinda Bush
    June 11, 2026

    Thank you for a perfect recipe. My son wanted banana bread for his birthday dessert. I made three loaves and hoped they would turn out for our guests. (I have a bad track record for breads) I was thrilled with how easy the recipe was and baked perfectly!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 11, 2026

      Great to hear that it was a huge hit! Thank you for sharing and I hope your son had a wonderful birthday celebration!

      Reply

  • Jon
    June 10, 2026

    Is the bread supposed to be super dense?? Mine came out weighing about 40lbs

    Reply

    • Natasha
      June 12, 2026

      Hi Jon, I’m sorry that happened – that’s a bummer. It’s definitely not supposed to be dense. It’s moist and has a pleasant and tender crumb. You might check that your leavening is not expired and that your oven is heating properly.

      Reply

  • Myra Adams
    June 10, 2026

    One of the best banana breads I’ve ever made. Also 2nd time I added a little honey and chocolate chips. Didn’t hurt a thing lol

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 10, 2026

      Great to hear that you enjoyed it!

      Reply

      • MJ
        June 16, 2026

        I only have a glass pyrex loaf pan. Should i use different temperature? Will amount of time to bake change?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          June 17, 2026

          Hi MJ! With glass pans, it’s recommended to decrease the temp by 25 degrees. Keep an eye on it in the oven, it usually takes a little longer to bake through.

          Reply

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