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 6172 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 6172 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Lucinda Bikali
    March 14, 2021

    The BANANA PECAN RAISIN loaf was simply AMAZING! (used pecans not walnuts). Oh my…this is a keeper!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 15, 2021

      Perfect, I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Melissa
    March 14, 2021

    It really is the best banana bread recipe! I’ve used this at least 10 times now and it’s my go to!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 14, 2021

      Yay, that’s awesome! I’m glad this has become your go-to-recipe now. Thanks for your good feedback, Melissa.

      Reply

  • Missy Julien!
    March 13, 2021

    I made this for my dad today, but I used wheat flour due some health issues and it came out really good, really moist!
    Thank you for this😊

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 13, 2021

      That is awesome to know that it works great with whole wheat flour. Thank you for sharing that!

      Reply

  • Lu
    March 13, 2021

    Hi I’m Lu

    I’ve always been a fan of your recipes ,easier simple and lovely. You are an inspiration keep up the good work.

    God bless the work of your hand .

    Regards

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 13, 2021

      You’re so nice! Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Lu!

      Reply

  • Lalita Dewangan
    March 12, 2021

    Hi Natasha!
    This is a great receipe! I tried it and my family loved it so much! I can’t wait to try out more receipes from you.
    Thank you so much

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 12, 2021

      You’re welcome, Lalita! I’m so happy you’re enjoying our recipes!

      Reply

  • Rita
    March 6, 2021

    Hands down best banana bread recipe! Love watching your videos! You put a simple twist to cooking! Question? What brand hand mixer do you use ? I have a Cuisinart 9 speed!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 7, 2021

      Thank you so much for your good comments and feedback, Rita.You can see the kitchen tools that I use here on my Amazon affiliate shop

      Reply

  • Shal
    March 6, 2021

    If I want to use an 8.5″ x 4.5″ loaf pan, what quantities of each ingredient will I need?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 6, 2021

      Hi Shal, we used a 1 lb pan with dimensions of 9″x5″ and deep so the dough doesn’t overflow. Your pan will work great for this recipe.

      Reply

  • Carol
    March 5, 2021

    This is SO delicious! I have been making my favorite, tried & true banana bread recipe for many, many years… but now that I made your recipe, mine got kicked to the curb! Everyone in my family loves it!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 6, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Lupita Tabita
    March 5, 2021

    Made banana bread and it was delicious. I’ve since made it twice for a couple of neighbors and they loved it. Yummy

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 5, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that, Lupita! I love that you brought this to your neighbors.

      Reply

  • Zoe
    March 3, 2021

    I’m not sure why, but when I tried to make this the batter came out very thick after I added the flour. It was more like cookie dough

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 3, 2021

      Hi Zoe, I’m curious if there was too much flour added. Be sure to measure by fluffing the flour first with a spoon then spoon it into a dry ingredient measuring cup and scrape off the top. If you push your measuring cup into a flour bin, you will get up to 25% too much flour. Also, do not tap the flour down in the measuring cup.

      Reply

  • Louuse
    February 28, 2021

    I have made this banan nut bread twice this week. The best our family has ever eaten. It’s moist and just the right amount of raisins, nuts and walnuts. I will be making this again,for sure. Thanks for sharing this with everyone.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 28, 2021

      That is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I’m glad your family enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Nadira
    February 25, 2021

    Hello, love all your recipes, sometimes I have to find ways to modify as I’m type 2 diabetic person. Also I’m doing a modified version of keto, but I have a family of men, so gotta give a little. Anyways, I find my banana burns on the bottom, I’ve tried to lower the temp, also I put a ceramic bowl under loaf pan and it still comes out a little well done. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you so. Btw I use coconut cream on some of your recipes and it works really well.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 25, 2021

      Hi Nadira, it is normal for the edges to be a rich brown color with banana bread, but it should not be burned. A lighter color pan can help get a lighter color, but the flavor should still be the same. Also, make sure you are using the regular bake mode and not convection mode since you would have to modify the temp or time to achieve the same results. I hope that helps to troubleshoot.

      Reply

      • swati verma
        March 10, 2021

        Hi Natasha,

        If baking on convection mode – what will be the temp and time?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 10, 2021

          Hi Swati, I can’t advise on using convection mode, but here is what one of our readers wrote: “This was delicious! I used the convection setting in my oven, and it baked for about 48 minutes. Very moist! QUESTION: I want to divide this recipe into two pans. What size loaf pan should I use? Love this channel.” I hope this is helpful.

          Reply

  • Dhjoana Dionela
    February 24, 2021

    Thank you natasha for the recipe we enjoy the banana cake they love it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 24, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Aashi
    February 24, 2021

    First time I baked banana walnut bread following your recipe.

    It was so easy and everyone enjoyed it.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 24, 2021

      I’m glad you loved it! Thanks for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Sheila
    February 23, 2021

    You make cooking and baking so simple and easy. I made this banana bread recipe and it’s a hit! My hard-to-please teenagers loved it! I won’t be wasting my ripe bananas from now on 🙂
    God bless and more power, Natasha!
    Sheila

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 23, 2021

      Thank you for your kind words and good comments Sheila. I appreciate it! I’m glad your teens enjoy this recipe!

      Reply

      • Sarah
        December 3, 2021

        The fact that you take out time to reply every comment is amazing! By the way, This banana bread is SO GOOD!!!! This has become THE recipe in my home. Kudos Natasha

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 3, 2021

          Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful compliment with me. I’m all smiles

          Reply

  • Synthea
    February 21, 2021

    Thank you for so many delicious enjoyable and easy.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 21, 2021

      You’re very welcome!

      Reply

  • Sue Flores
    February 21, 2021

    I made this for the first time today. So good! I didn’t have raisins, so I substituted dried cranberries. My husband, and I loved it. Thanks for sharing. God Bless.
    Sue

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 21, 2021

      I’m glad to hear that, Sue. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

  • Fatma Djilani
    February 20, 2021

    Super easy! Also so moist and yummy!!! Totally recommend the recipe! thanks!
    The only challenging part is that after 30min the top part is fully cooked but not the inside.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 20, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Paulette Mudryk
    February 19, 2021

    Thanks for all your amazing recipes. Love to watch your videos. You make baking/cooking so much fun.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 19, 2021

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Paulette. I’m all smiles

      Reply

  • Yen
    February 17, 2021

    Thank for the supper easy recipe again. Your recipies save my life and time a lot. We can have good food and spare time for family activities. Best with love.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 17, 2021

      You are very welcome, Yen. I’m glad you and your family are enjoying my recipes!

      Reply

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