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 6245 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 6245 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Corazon Vera
    September 13, 2020

    Hi Ms. Natasha. Thank you very much and proud watching your video in different recipe’s. . Actually this i my first time to bake choco chips banana cake which my grand daughter love most. I did follow all your instruction in making the messurement, how to bake till done. I will show you my creation.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 13, 2020

      Sounds great, Corazon. You may share photos of your creation, on our Facebook page or group.

      Reply

  • Reeti
    September 12, 2020

    To be honest, I never did like banana bread, until I came across this gem of a recipe.. from granny to kids, hit with everyone!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 13, 2020

      That is so awesome. Thank you so much for your great feedback, Reeti!

      Reply

  • Hani
    September 12, 2020

    Thank you so much for sharing and I love all your videos and postings. May I know the estimated weight of the 3 bananas please? The bananas here where I’m from are not as big as those used for your cake. Thanks again.

    Reply

  • Angelica
    September 11, 2020

    Hi Ms Natasha, it’s my first time to bake actually.. tried your banana cake.. i’m not sure what happened on mine!haha texture was too fine not the normal but still delicious.. is it because i used glassware? I really dont know what happened..

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 14, 2020

      Hi Angelia, did you possibly use cake flour? That could cause a very light crumb. We have baked with glass before without problems so I don’t think that is the issue.

      Reply

      • Angelica
        September 16, 2020

        Thanks Ms Natasha for the reply.. I will try again this weekend and I should make it right!

        Reply

        • Angelica
          September 19, 2020

          Hi Ms Natasha, just an update.. I figured out why my first try was too fine. My glassware a bit small.. it didn’t rose well.. Bought a bit bigger and it turned out perfectly delicously yummy!😍 Thank you sooo much! My kids really love it and asking for more! I want to try all your recipes! Thankful I found you!😊

          Reply

          • Natasha
            September 19, 2020

            I am so happy to hear that you all loved the banana bread recipe .

  • Patricia
    September 10, 2020

    This was my first time making banana bread, it came out great! I just forgot to add the butter and flour to the pan.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 11, 2020

      So great to hear that, Patricia. No worries, you make sure to remember to add those ingredients next time so it can taste perfect!

      Reply

  • Izzy R
    September 10, 2020

    I used honey instead of sugar and it came out in the flavor. It was amazing. I used a one to one and ended up nearly using up all my honey!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 11, 2020

      Fantastic! I’m so glad to know that Izzy, thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Izzy R
    September 10, 2020

    I was looking for a quick and easy banana bread recipe that would be moist and delicious. Let me tell you, this recipe delivered. This was the best banana bread I’ve ever had/made.
    I omitted walnuts and raisins because I didn’t have any on the shelf and I didn’t have a loaf pan that I could find. Instead I had two mini loaf pans. I made two mini loaves and they cooked for 15 mins.
    They were a hit!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 11, 2020

      That’s awesome that they baked so quickly (only 15 minutes) in two mini loaf pans! Thank you for sharing your lovely review. I’m so glad you loved the banana bread recipe.

      Reply

  • Emma
    September 10, 2020

    I am a big fan of your recipes and they all turned out great, except for this one. I tried it twice and both turned out raw. it rose a little bit and was the same color as shown in the video but when I cut it, it was raw. I followed the exact recipe so I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 11, 2020

      Hi Emma, could you possibly be using a different size or shape pan? Also, you might check that your oven is reaching the correct temperature and make sure to put it in the oven after the oven is fully preheated. If it didn’t rise much, it could be the leavening that is expired. If leavening expires, it won’t activate to make the bread rise properly which could be a culprit. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Michele Harvey
    September 10, 2020

    I’ve baked your choc chip banana bread and it’s delicious. I have to make one every week now because it’s so delicious. But my son asked me today if I could add some porridge oats to it. Would that be possible and if so…how many grams do you think I could add to the mix?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 10, 2020

      So great to hear that Michele. Regarding your question, I haven’t personally tried that yet to advise on the ingredients you might need to experiment on it. If you try, please let us know how it goes!

      Reply

  • Kendall
    September 9, 2020

    Wow, if you want a buttery, decadent piece of banana bread, this is it! I made some adjustments based on what I had:
    – omitted raisins and nuts
    – replaced one banana with 1/3 cup fruit puree
    – used 1/3 cup of the sugar to caramelize two banana before mashing and adding

    Baked at 170 C for 50 minutes. Edges were a bit brown but the inside was perfect, and every bite was delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 9, 2020

      So nice of you to share that with us, Kendall. Thank you so much! So glad that you loved this recipe too.

      Reply

  • Jean Herrmann
    September 7, 2020

    It looks delicious! I am going to try it with dates instead of raisins. Just an idea. I love dates and you can buy them already cut with sugar on them so they don’t stick to one another.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 7, 2020

      Hi Jean, I love the idea of using dates! Let me know how you like the banana bread.

      Reply

    • Beth
      September 8, 2020

      Hello Natasha,I am from Omaha ,Nebraska. Cold and Rainy.I am making your banana nut,raisin ,bread for the fourth time. Made your Apple Cake yesterday-to die for. I am a law student and your receipes are my bible. Every recipe has been delicious. I am glad you are my cook.Blessings to you and your family.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        September 8, 2020

        Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Beth! I’m all smiles

        Reply

    • Tee
      September 15, 2020

      Hi Natasha, if I leave out the raisins do I need to change the measurements for any of the other ingredients?

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        September 15, 2020

        Hi Tee, several of our readers left out raisins and reported great results without any adjustments.

        Reply

  • casey dinh
    September 4, 2020

    I was really craving the banana bread from starbucks & decided to make some myself w this recipe. the first time I’ve baked banana bread and WOW. someone else suggested using brown sugar along with the white so I used 1/2 cup white sugar and 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar (i’m a sucker for brown sugar :P) I omitted the raisins but did include walnuts in AND on top (just like how starbucks has em). This adds a wonderful crisp to the outside layer with a moist DELICIOUS inside. wow. I am 100% making this again.
    it’s my first time living alone so I had bought way too many bananas & some of them are now overripe. So I’ll be baking some more soon !!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 5, 2020

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

      Reply

    • Evelyn
      September 27, 2020

      Just throw your extra bananas in your freezer. They will be ready and waiting!

      Reply

    • Sonya L.
      November 30, 2020

      This recipe worked perfectly. I am currently living in a high altitude location so I was nervous about the result. But I didn’t modify the recipe or instructions and it turned out great. Well, I did replace the raisins with 1/4 cup of chocolate chip, lol.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        November 30, 2020

        I’m so happy that worked out, Sonya! That’s so great!

        Reply

  • Yasmin jokhi
    September 1, 2020

    My granddaughter who is 5 is a great fan of your and her favorite night time story is to look at your videos. Your brownie is household favorite. Please keep posting your recipes I so enjoy watching them. My granddaughter says you are so funny.than you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 1, 2020

      Aww! That’s the best! I’m so inspired to read this review, Yasmin! Thank you!

      Reply

  • Lucy
    September 1, 2020

    Hi Natasha, can I use coconut oil instead of butter? in the same measurement?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 1, 2020

      Hi Lucy, 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

    • Rebecca
      September 2, 2020

      I wish to make it, but I am allergic to eggs and wheat. Can I use gluten free flour? I will try the flaxseed and water for the eggs, but I didn’t know about the flour

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        September 3, 2020

        Hello Rebecca, someone shared this “I used Pamela’s gluten free all-purpose flour, replacing 1 tbsp of flour with ground flax. I replaced the sugar with coconut sugar and reduced the sugar to 1/2 cup, since I used overripe bananas. I divided the batter between two 4×8 loaf pans and baked for about 50 minutes. Forgot to toast the walnuts but it still came out amazing!

        The texture was super soft, no one could tell it was gluten free! I know we’ll be making this banana bread for years to come.”

        Reply

  • Yelena
    August 31, 2020

    I’ve made this recipe over 100 times and it is excellent every time. I tried freezing the baked loaf for the first time for my postpartum ease and then baked it at 325 to thaw and it tasted even better than fresh baked! Foolproof recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 31, 2020

      That’s just awesome Yelena! Thank you for that wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Mary
    August 31, 2020

    I am 61 years old and have been making banana bread for years. This is the best one I have ever made! Thank you for such a great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 31, 2020

      Wow! I’m so inspired reading your review, Mary! Thank you!

      Reply

  • Kimberly
    August 30, 2020

    Easy and my new “go to” banana bread recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 31, 2020

      Thank you so much for your good comments, Kimberly.

      Reply

  • Laiba Waseem
    August 30, 2020

    Made about 5 loaves and they have never survived an entire day, its a fool proof recipe that will always taste great
    Btw there will be more banana bread baking on its way

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 30, 2020

      Wow, sounds like this is a family favorite already! I’m so glad everyone loves this banana bread.

      Reply

      • Sondra Murphy
        September 21, 2020

        I made your recipe last night for the first time; just couldn’t recall my regular one. I always add chopped apricots and toasted pecans (sometimes walnuts). Baked in mini muffin pan and one mini loaf pan. They were wonderful. I suggest you try apricots as the tangyness marries well with sweet bananas.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 21, 2020

          Thank you so much for sharing that with me! That sounds delicious!

          Reply

  • Cristina Moricca
    August 25, 2020

    Just tried it today, it came out oh, so yummy! I used 4 overripe bananas, raisins but decided to forego the walnuts. I followed the rest of the recipe to a T! It came out so moist with just the right amount of sweetness! Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 25, 2020

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it Cristina!

      Reply

  • keyla
    August 22, 2020

    Aloha Natasha!

    Is it ok to have regular butter instead of unsalted butter? Do I need to alter any of the other ingredients because of the butter? Please let me know. Love you! TY!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 22, 2020

      Hi Keyla, you could use salted butter and just omit the salt in the recipe.

      Reply

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