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 6173 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 6173 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Irene Politakis
    December 5, 2020

    I make it all the time! Never fails! Right now, I have two loaves in the oven. Today I added both walnuts and raisins. Can’t wait! A useful tip, when your bananas start getting brown, peel them and freeze them in ziplock bags. They will be ready for your banana bread craving in a jiffy!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 5, 2020

      Thank you for sharing that tip with us, Irene.

      Reply

  • Katya
    December 4, 2020

    First time making it and its delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 4, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Rita Plotko
    December 1, 2020

    I give 5 STARS !!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 1, 2020

      Thank you for that wonderful review, Rita!

      Reply

  • Rita Plotko
    December 1, 2020

    Hello Natasha, I am Rita Yesterday I tried a banana bread I change a little your recipe instead sugar 3/4 I just put 2 tablespoon because banana is sweet and instead of raisins I put a cranberry It’s was SOOO Yummy , thank you its very easy recipes and I love it!!! You are The Best!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 1, 2020

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

      Reply

  • Juhi Dhingra
    December 1, 2020

    It was my best banana bread ever 😊 thanks a lot for this recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 1, 2020

      You’re welcome Juhi! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Doli Padaruth
    November 29, 2020

    Made this yesterday. I added a variety of nuts and coconut flakes. I used 1/2 cup of sugar and used some oil too but cut down a little on butter.Just love it. Turned out to be soft ,moist, light with a crunch. So good. Thanks for sharing the recipe

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 30, 2020

      You are most welcome, Doli. Thank you so much for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Cory
    November 28, 2020

    Natasha, this was the moistest banana bread ever. I used 4 bananas and added (2) tsp of Banana Extract along with extra crushed walnuts.

    I also used a popover pan to make muffins instead of a loaf and they were incredible.

    This is the best ever for super moist banana bread

    Thanks again for sharing

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 28, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Yen
    November 27, 2020

    Thank you Natasha for this wonderful recipe! I made some adjustments: replaced 10g of flour with cacao powder, used 100g of sugar instead of full 150g as the recipe calls for, added raisins only (as I don’t have any walnuts), and used round mold instead of bread pan. And I baked with airfryer (155°C in 60 minutes), and the final result: the bread is super tasty and moist! Absolutely the BEST banana bread I’ve made! Thank you again for sharing this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 27, 2020

      Yay, that is so fantastic! Thank you too for sharing the adjustments that you’ve done for this recipe. So helpful!

      Reply

  • JenSia
    November 25, 2020

    Hi Natashas,
    I have baked this 2X and it was perfect!!

    Any changes to taste and texture if I split this into small loafs?

    Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving…

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      I bet this could work as mini loaves! I do recommend watching your bake time closely, as it will require less time for smaller loaves.

      Reply

  • Cathy
    November 24, 2020

    The recipe I use for banana bread has sour cream in it. People would tell me it was the best one they ever had.

    Reply

  • Leigh
    November 22, 2020

    Just made this and it was delicious! I used the whole wheat flour and added a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. Sooo good!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 22, 2020

      Sounds awesome, Leigh. Thank you and I’m glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • Sylvia Dagama
    November 20, 2020

    This banana recipe is a keeper. I over cooked it but still super moist

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 20, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Sylvia!

      Reply

  • SUSAN TRACY
    November 14, 2020

    YUM YUM. Made this today. Delicious, & hubby approved :). Made pretty much as written except I left out the nuts, used 1/2c white sugar, 1/4 C brown sugar, and put Pumpkin Pie spice (generous 1/2 tsp) & about 1/4 tsp of ground ginger into the flour mixture. Had 2 very rip bananas & lol, I have no idea how many bananas were in my bag of frozen bananas (prob 1 1/2 or 2). Thawed those & drained & proceeded as the recipe said. I put batter into 2 foil mini loaf pans for 50 on recipe (the last 15 mins I laid foil over top as it was very brown but not done in middle yet. Will make again. Very moist & got nice and brown and very tasty. TY

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 15, 2020

      Glad you loved this recipe, Susan, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us!

      Reply

  • sue Orlowski
    November 14, 2020

    I just to let me know that I just took it out and we cut it when it cooled I cut us a slice (we could hardly wait. My Husband said that a keeper.Thanks do some wonderful recipes.
    I

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 14, 2020

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

      Reply

  • Tracy McGrath
    November 14, 2020

    Has anyone tried making this with almond flour?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 14, 2020

      Hi Tracy, 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

      • Christina Katsikas
        November 22, 2020

        I used about a quarter cup of almond flour and 1 and a quarter cup regular all purpose flour. It was very good.

        Reply

  • Ella
    November 11, 2020

    Hi Natasha! 🙂 Can I add some rum to this? How much will be appropriate? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 11, 2020

      Hello Ella, I haven’t tried that yet to advise. If you will do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Amie R
    November 10, 2020

    Thank you for the recipe! I goofed it up a bit but it came out delicious! I had 2 1/2 very ripe bananas (1/2 was gross so threw it away), I mixed the bananas with the butter and the eggs, it didn’t want to blend so I beat it with my hand mixer. Then beat the dry ingredients with the wet until very well blended, then hand mixed in the crushed walnuts. Couldn’t find my loaf pan so I used a round cake pan. Sprinkled more crushed walnuts on top and a tablespoon of sugar. Baked at 350, checked it at 35 min, it was done! Perfect and so yummy! I guess it baked faster because it had less bananas?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 11, 2020

      Yes could be it. Thanks for sharing your experience making this recipe, Amie. I am happy that you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Diem
    November 10, 2020

    Everyone touts their recipe as “the best”…however, this one is the best I’ve tried so far. It’s easy and delicious and has definitely moist! I did have to do some alterations due to 1) I have a severe allergy to casein – which is the protein in dairy, so I cannot use butter/cream/milk/etc. 2) I had 3 very ripe bananas ready to go into bread until our 17 year old ate one! Who knew he liked more ripe bananas? haha! So, my slight alterations are as follows: in lieu of butter, I used coconut oil; because I was short a banana, I used half of a ripe avocado I happened to have on hand from yesterday. I also ommitted the raisins as the 17 yr old hates raisins. Since I used avocado, I decided to add 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Normally, I like to test recipes just as they are written – but even with my slight alterations, this recipe is hands down the best I’ve tried! I will definitely use this as go-to, and considering half the bread is already gone, I may need to make another one before the weekend! Thank you for an excellent recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 11, 2020

      Hello Diem, thank you so much for your kind words and awesome feedback. We appreciate it and I hope you will love all the recipe that you will try.

      Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 11, 2020

      Hello Diem, thank you so much for your kind words and awesome feedback. We appreciate it and I hope you will love all the recipes that you will try.

      Reply

  • Gertrude Cramp
    November 9, 2020

    Ok, I totally Frankenstein’d your recipe but had amazing results! I substituted the 3/4 sugar for 1 cup dark brown sugar. I also added a dash of lemon extract, cinnamon, ginger,and nut meg. Instead of making a loaf I made 6 muffin baked for aprox 30 mins.i also tossed a bit of brown sugar on top before I baked

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 10, 2020

      I’m happy you enjoyed that! Thank you.

      Reply

  • Shingie Samupindi
    November 9, 2020

    Now my go to banana loaf recipe. Sooo delicious

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 9, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

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