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

  • Steve Winton
    December 24, 2020

    Hi Natasha….the altitude where my wife and I live is 6800 ft. Do we need to change or add anything to your recipe?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 24, 2020

      Hi Steve, You might google to see what modifications need to be made for your altitude. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Mou
    December 23, 2020

    Made it many times, shared with colleagues in the office and they all liked it…Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 24, 2020

      I’m so glad you all enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Rocio
    December 22, 2020

    So if I eat the entire bread, is that over 3000 calories? Just double checking before I pack on too much during the holidays.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 22, 2020

      Hi Rocio that is correct. Your comment made me laugh. You should avoid eating the entire bread.

      Reply

  • Jamilah
    December 21, 2020

    Hi. Well I really enjoyed making this and it was easy to follow with your instructions. I just felt it turned out really too moist and maybe a bit gooey. Even though the taste was great and my family loved it. I’m thinking maybe I mixed it too much before transferring to baking tray..?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 21, 2020

      Hi Jamilah, this post on measuring may help your ingredient measurements. If you’re scooping your ingredient incorrectly that may be the culprit.

      Reply

  • Tina
    December 20, 2020

    Made banana bread this morning and it came out delicious. Thank you for easy and great recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 20, 2020

      So lovely to her that, Tina. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Judy in Lubbock
    December 20, 2020

    I made this recipe last night. It was absolutely the best recipe I have ever found for Banana Nut Bread. Had a great shape and my husband agreed it was the best ever! Thanks and Merry Christmas!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 20, 2020

      That is so nice to know, thank you so much for your wonderful comments and feedback!

      Reply

  • AL
    December 18, 2020

    DElish!
    I had very small bananas so I used 5. Added 1/2 t cinnamon. Omitted raisins. Baked for 64 minutes. Perrrrfect.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 18, 2020

      Awesome, thanks for your awesome feedback, Al!

      Reply

  • Dan
    December 17, 2020

    Natasha, I have tried several recipes and nothing compares with my exwifes recipe. However yours is the closes

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      I’m sure her recipe is awesome too!

      Reply

  • Silvia
    December 17, 2020

    Natasha, can I use salted butter? I have three packages of salted butter but no unsalted. ☹ if so how much should I cut back on the salt? Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

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

      Reply

  • Linda
    December 15, 2020

    Hello,
    Made this banana bread today. It was delicious and very moist my family loved it. I did substitute honey for the sugar and loved it. Never tried substituting with honey. I liked the flavour it added. Thank you to you and your sister Anna.😋😊

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 15, 2020

      You’re welcome, Linda! I’m glad that worked out for you! Thank you for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Kelly
    December 13, 2020

    I followed this recipe to a tee-minus raisins, and followed along to the video..it rose high in the center, cracked widely and wouldn’t set. I cooked it 65 minutes to get the center to set, but it didn’t and the rest is nearly burnt. Not sure how this could happen as I followed you step by step via video and recipe? I do not live in a high climate and I have a newer model stove? Also all of my ingredients were brand new except the 4 day old bananas

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 14, 2020

      Hi Kelly, do you live in a high altitude area? You might google to see what modifications need to be made for your altitude. I hope that helps.

      Reply

    • Judith Ritter
      December 15, 2020

      Sounds like what happens when I use a ceramic loaf pan. I threw mine out. Pretty, but worthless.

      Reply

    • Jay
      December 28, 2020

      Hey Kelly, I just made the banana bread and I had some pretty big cracks starting to form around 40 minutes. As soon as it was nice and brown, maybe another 5 mins I covered it with tin foil for the remaining 15-20 minutes and it came out just perfect. I also cooked it on a layer of parchment paper which may have helped with the heat level. I also have a newish stove and I live in normal altitude and it set just fine for me. I should add, I did not use raisins, I used 1/4th a cup of brown sugar sub white and I added 1 tbsp of sour cream to mine in a wilton large loaf pan. Hope some of this might help!

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    December 13, 2020

    Hi Natasha. Can I half the recipe? Do I still follow the same time and temperature?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 13, 2020

      Hi Cheryl, I imagine that should work.

      Reply

  • Jas
    December 12, 2020

    Can this recipe be doubled? Always enjoy your videos. Thank you.
    jas

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 12, 2020

      Hi Jas, I hope you love this recipe! If you doubled it into one pan then it may require more bake time.

      Reply

  • Caroline
    December 12, 2020

    Hi Natasha,
    Made your lovely banana loaf yesterday and it turned out beautifully. Hubby loves it so looks like this is going to be a regular bake. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 12, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Caroline!

      Reply

  • Shery
    December 9, 2020

    Hi Natasha
    I made the Banana bread ,I had to use gluten free flour (one to one flour ) it hasn’t rised enough. I have this problem with all the cakes ! Any tips ?
    Thanks ! Loveeee your recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 9, 2020

      Hi Shery, 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

  • Nilsa
    December 9, 2020

    I love banana bread & especially with anything crunchy in 😁 Thank you for your recipe I really enjoyed making it my self. I added dried cranberries instead of raisins it was delicious 😋 Thank you again for your recipe!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 9, 2020

      You’re welcome, Nilsa! I’m so glad you enjoeyd this recipe!

      Reply

  • YESENIA VARELA
    December 8, 2020

    The best banana recipe ever! Super easy and a hit in every family gathering! Thanks Natasha.
    I love to add a hint of cinnamon for a special umf 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 8, 2020

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it, Yesenia!

      Reply

  • LINDA A PUMNEO
    December 7, 2020

    Hi, I added dried cranberries instead of the raisins. Baked in 3 mini-pans for gift giving.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 8, 2020

      Sounds good, Linda. I hope you loved it!

      Reply

  • Michael Krajnik
    December 7, 2020

    I have to watch my carbs like most of your recipes they don’t have a serving size 🙁

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 7, 2020

      Hi Michael, when at the recipe, click on Jump to recipe and you will see the nutrition info in the recipe card. Our new recipes have that already.

      Reply

    • Katie
      December 9, 2020

      It does say on top that it feeds 10. So 1/10 would be the serving size.

      Reply

  • CAROL KOLLER
    December 7, 2020

    I freeze my peeled overripe bananas in a ziplock baggie. I freeze three to a bag, mashing them as I put them in the bag with my fingers, since that’s what the recipe calls for. Very easy to stack flat in the freezer and ready to defrost when I’m ready to bake.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 7, 2020

      Thank you for sharing that tip with us!

      Reply

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