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

  • Yuliya
    April 4, 2021

    Thank you so much for the recipe! It’s become one of my most favorite! Absolutely delicious! The only problem is it’s hard to resist a bite)))

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 4, 2021

      You’re welcome! I’m happy that you loved this banana bread recipe.

      Reply

  • Sucitysue
    April 3, 2021

    This is the best banana bread I have made. Toasted walnuts and raisins go perfectly with bananas. Will be my go to recipe from here out…

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Sucitysue!

      Reply

  • Craig Hoffman
    April 2, 2021

    Can this recipe be doubled ?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 2, 2021

      Hi Craig, it sure can be!

      Reply

  • Sara
    April 1, 2021

    Awesome recipe!
    How do I store it for a few days? I put it in the fridge but then the outside turned soft not like it was crunchy when I first made it. What do you recommend? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 2, 2021

      Hi Sara, just store it in an airtight container. Someone else commented and shared this “I stored it in Tupperware and it’s even better this morning since it’s been in them overnight. 10/10 thank you so much for sharing this recipe.”

      Reply

  • Todd Conger
    March 31, 2021

    Hi Natasha! , For some reason I can’t follow recipes. I really enjoyed the Borschtt. I was gifted bananas yesterday and am very pleased to have found your husbands fave! Ima add walnuts and some chocolate chips! Sometimes calories are an after thought!
    Fat-n-Sassy!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 1, 2021

      That’s awesome! I’m glad it was a success, Todd. Thanks for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Nikki B
    March 31, 2021

    This recipe turned out perfect. It was delicious. This will be my go to recipe for banana bread from now

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 31, 2021

      That’s just awesome, Nikki! I’m so happy you enjoeyd this recipe and found a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Garnetta smith
    March 30, 2021

    Thank you so much for sharing banana nut bread. I watch you almost every day your a great person to watch. Thank you so much.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 30, 2021

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me & you’re welcome; I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Mili M.
    March 27, 2021

    Delish! Used a mix of toasted walnuts and pecans, and added green seedless raisins. Wonderful with cream cheese spread. Immediately went out and bought more bananas!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 27, 2021

      Yum! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Della Simm
    March 26, 2021

    Your video showed a full stick of butter. Recipe posted 1/2 cup
    Which one is correct.
    Love your recipes . I make a lot of them.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 26, 2021

      Hi Della, we used ½ cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp) at room temperature. There is 8 tbsp in most sticks of butter.

      Reply

  • Christie
    March 25, 2021

    Made last night. Subbed cranberries and pecans. Came out perfect!! Had for breakfast this morning toasted with butter! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 25, 2021

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • ani
    March 23, 2021

    Hi Natasha , can i omit the baking soda and use baking powder instead?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 24, 2021

      Hi Ani, I honestly haven’t used just baking powder to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Lizzy
    March 23, 2021

    My husband and I are standing here over the counter cutting slice after slice off, stuffing our faces before dinner and proclaiming this the best banana bread ever! I subbed 1/2 cup buttermilk for 1 of the bananas, since I only had 2 and it worked great. I would’ve never thought to add raisins, but it’s epic, and toasting the walnuts is well worth that little bit of extra effort. Thank you! Now I’m off to stalk the rest of your recipes…

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 23, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lizzy! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Moira Ware
    March 23, 2021

    i want to make this form my mom but she is allergic to walnuts can ether sub it or leave them out thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 23, 2021

      Hi Moira, yes, you can omit or substitute them 🙂

      Reply

  • Candice
    March 21, 2021

    Just put the bread in the oven! How do you recommend storing afterwards? Fridge, freezer, counter or cabinet? Thank you in advance! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 21, 2021

      Hi Candice, you can keep it in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerate it.

      Reply

  • Swapanali
    March 20, 2021

    Wow I tried the recipe and it’s perfect.. First time my hubby loved the banana bread.. Thanks a lot

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 20, 2021

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Randi Siegall
    March 18, 2021

    This was a hit. Loved the raisens. I used golden raisens, toasted pecans, almond flour, coconut sugar (less than recommended with cane sugar) touch of fresh nutmeg and cinnamon.
    Bake time was about 60 minutes with checking in between. Very rich looking caramelized. I will post a Pic on Instagram

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 19, 2021

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Randi. I’m glad it was a hit!

      Reply

  • Lorivic Dalumay
    March 18, 2021

    Tried it for the very first time and I LOVE IT! Planning to cook it again. Instead of nuts, I put some chocolates and it tastes awesome! It really goes well with banana bread. Thank you so much for the recipe. 😊

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 19, 2021

      Hi Lorivic, thank you so much! I’m so happy to know that you enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Joanne
    March 18, 2021

    hi in making my banana bread i did not use eggs is it ok ?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 18, 2021

      Hi Joanne, Unfortunately, I don’t haven’t tried this without out eggs or with any substitute for eggs in my recipes. I think you can find some recommendations online but I have not tested them yet to advise.

      Reply

      • Jo
        March 20, 2021

        Approximately how much in cups would 3 bananas be?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 20, 2021

          Hi Jo, it’s usually about 2 cups of mashed banana.

          Reply

  • Despoina
    March 16, 2021

    So soft!! Very nice 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 16, 2021

      Thank you for your good feedback!

      Reply

  • Jen
    March 15, 2021

    Hello Natasha, I love this recipe. It bakes up nice and fluffy with lots of taste.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 15, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

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