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

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Ahlam Bagdadi
    January 3, 2021

    Hi Natasha
    I made this recipe, and it was so delicious though I mistakingly added 1 tbsp of bicarbonate soda instead of 1 tsp 😔.
    Thank you for sharing it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 4, 2021

      You’re welcome Ahlam! I hope you give it a try again soon!

      Reply

  • Sherri
    January 2, 2021

    I made the bread and it is wonderful!

    Reply

  • Leslie
    January 2, 2021

    nevermind I found the recipe in the introductory text. Turned out great! Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 2, 2021

      No problem, I’m glad you found that.

      Reply

  • Rachelle
    January 2, 2021

    My banana cake had a big crack on top… BUT tasted awesome…Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 2, 2021

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

      Reply

      • Rachelle
        January 2, 2021

        Totally unrelated to banana bread….do you have a paella recipe?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          January 3, 2021

          Hi Rachelle, we don’t have one yet but thank you for the suggestion!

          Reply

  • Leslie Schelp
    January 2, 2021

    Can I make this into muffin pans. We are retired and we like small portions to eat and freeze.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 2, 2021

      Hi Leslie, I haven’t tried making this exact recipe in muffin form yet. You can try our spin on banana bread in muffin form HERE as a guide. I hope this helps

      Reply

  • winda puwisaci
    January 2, 2021

    Hai natasha..
    I am from indonesia❤
    Thank’s for your recipe, i like it and i hope i can make it😊

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 2, 2021

      I hope you love this recipe Winda!

      Reply

  • Ida
    January 1, 2021

    Another great recipe from you, thank you 🙂 I added 2 tbsp sour cream and I subtituted raisins for chocolat chips also I cut down the sugar (I used only 1/2 cup). Taste awsome!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 1, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Theresa
    January 1, 2021

    Banana bread it was is delicious

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 1, 2021

      I’m happy you enjoyed that, Theresa!

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    January 1, 2021

    Just baked this today and it’s super delicious. Your recipes are always a hit with my family!

    BTW, this banana bread taste like cake. What’s the difference?

    Reply

  • Cheryl
    January 1, 2021

    Hi Natasha! Baked this for the 1st day of 2021 and it’s the best banana bread I’ve ever eaten. It’s super soft and moist and most importantly it’s so easy to bake. Highly recommend to those who would like to bake banana bread!

    Reply

  • Ange
    December 31, 2020

    The last thing I made in 2020, the first thing my family ate in 2021 was your banana bread recipe. They loved it. It is moist. Loved that it only made one loaf. I didn’t have enough bananas to make a recipe for two loaves.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 1, 2021

      Wow, that makes me happy! Thank you and I hope you and your family will love every recipe that you will try.

      Reply

  • Liliya
    December 29, 2020

    Just made the Banana bread!!!!
    Absolutely delicious!
    Thank you,Natasha

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 29, 2020

      I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Donna
    December 28, 2020

    I’m making this tomorrow. My question is I only have 2 very ripe medium size bananas . Should I add any applesauce to make up the difference if so how much? This recipe looks awesome

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 29, 2020

      Hi Donna, one of our readers reported doing that and wrote: ” I only had 2 ripe bananas on hand, so I added 1/2 a cup of applesauce.” I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Grace
    December 28, 2020

    It’s my first time to bake. This recipe made me feel like a great baker already. Hahaha

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 28, 2020

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Niusha
    December 27, 2020

    Made this banana bread several times, and It is one of the best. It is so easy and delicious. I added cinnamon and chocolate chips and omitted the walnut and raisin. Thank you for the recipe Natasha

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 27, 2020

      You’re most welcome and sounds wonderful! Thank you for your great comments and feedback, Niusha.

      Reply

  • R Lebel
    December 27, 2020

    easy to follow, I am about to insert in it the Oven, finger cross, I substitute maple sirup for the sugar

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 27, 2020

      I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Heidi Johnson
    December 27, 2020

    I just made a double batch of this and it is, by far, the BEST banana bread recipe I’ve ever made! Moist on the inside with a beautiful golden brown crust! I don’t normally leave reviews but I had to for this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 27, 2020

      That is so awesome! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Heidi!

      Reply

  • Silvie
    December 27, 2020

    Excellent and easy recipe, love the walnut crunch and moisture of the loaf! Thank you for sharing! Real keeper recipe xx

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 27, 2020

      Thanks for your wonderful review, Silvie and you are so welcome.

      Reply

  • Brian
    December 27, 2020

    Made this recipe (minus the raisins) and it turned out P.E.R.F.E.C.T.!! This is definitely going to be added to my regulars… Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 27, 2020

      Hello Brian, so awesome! Thanks for sharing that with us, I’m so glad you loved this recipe.

      Reply

  • Dz
    December 24, 2020

    This was so easy and delicious! Moist and just all around fantastic. Thank you for your wonderful recipes. I double the batch, made two and gave one to my neighbor for Christmas.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 24, 2020

      You’re welcome, Dz. I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.