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 6214 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 6214 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Helen
    August 25, 2017

    Hi Natasha , what is the size of your loaf pan? Thx

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 25, 2017

      Hi Helen, it is a standard loaf pan – 1.5 Qt (I believe 9″x5″)

      Reply

  • Monica
    July 3, 2017

    Natasha does it again! I completely fall in love with all of the recipes I’ve tried from your blog! They quickly become household favorites and are asked for every week. This bread was quickly devoured in one weekend. Thank you, Natasha! I can’t wait to keep trying more recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 3, 2017

      You’re welcome Monica! I’m happy to hear the recipe was such a big hit! Thanks for following my blog and sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Anna
    June 28, 2017

    Natasha,
    Every one of your recipes that I have tried is pretty amazing! Just made 3 portions of this banana bread and plan on freezing 2. I just add 1/4c. sour cream thinking it will be even more moist. Thank you for many yummy ideas!
    God bless,
    Anna : )

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 28, 2017

      You’re welcome Anna! I’m so happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipes! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Jesand
    June 17, 2017

    Wanna make this banana bread right away,i just wanna know at what temperature should i put at the oven?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 19, 2017

      Hi Jesand, bake at 350˚F 🙂 You should see that at the top of the recipe instructions, just before step 1.

      Reply

  • Alenka
    June 9, 2017

    Natasha, can I freeze banana bread? Do you think it will change the taste?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 10, 2017

      Banana Bread freezes wonderfully and still tastes great. My husband uses Food Saver bags and seals them before putting in the freezer. But freezer friendly zip lock bag would work as well.

      Reply

  • JEANNE ERICKSON
    April 27, 2017

    Super moist and flavorful! I baked 2 small loaves, for 45 minutes and they came out great! My hubs is picky about banana bread, and he said this one was “great” 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 27, 2017

      Awesome! I love hearing when a “picky eater” approves! Thanks for sharing your great review Jeanne!

      Reply

  • Natasha ;-)
    March 23, 2017

    This is my go to recipe for banana bread.. Totally the bomb! Please if you can answer ASAP I would greatly appreciate it… I wanted to make this bread today in a cupcake pan.. Do you think thats possible? Do I just bake them faster?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 23, 2017

      Hi Natasha (great name by the way! 😉 I haven’t tried that myself but one of my readers shared her great results in a comment, writing: “Just made this! It’s sooooo perfectly yummy! Baked it for 25 minutes in a 12-regular sized muffin pan, and our kitchen smells divine.”

      Reply

      • cindy
        May 17, 2018

        my hubby makes banana bread. He also makes some of the batter in cupcake papers and they come out real good.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          May 17, 2018

          Great tip Cindy, thanks for sharing!

          Reply

  • Natalie
    March 11, 2017

    Hi Natasha
    Can I use less butter?
    I love this banana bread!!!! Already making for few years!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 11, 2017

      Hi Natalie, I haven’t tried reducing the butter because this recipe works so well with that amount – moist, flavorful… 🙂 I really just haven’t tried, but if you experiment with less butter, let me know how it goes 🙂

      Reply

  • Leah
    March 8, 2017

    This is my husband’s favorite Banana Bread hands down! His review is 100 stars! Great to make with my daughter (who loves making your recipes!).

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 8, 2017

      Your review put a huge smile on my face! 😀 That’s the BEST rating any one of my recipes have received!

      Reply

    • Elena
      October 21, 2017

      Hi Natasha! My husband don’t like raisins or nuts, do you think if I will make it without them it still will be good?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        October 21, 2017

        HI Elena, this will still work if you omit them. You could try craisins if you prefer that or just omit both. We have done that and it still tastes great 🙂

        Reply

  • Isabella
    March 5, 2017

    One of the best banana bread recipes! I made it today — it is moist and delicious. I skipped the walnuts and raisins, as my kids do not like them, but added a few chocolate chips. The bread was not overly sweet – a total success.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 6, 2017

      Mmm chocolate chips are a great idea!! Thanks for sharing your great review 🙂

      Reply

  • Tanya
    December 12, 2016

    Thank you Natasha , so good banana bread 👍

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 13, 2016

      Your welcome Tanya! So glad you liked it!

      Reply

  • Jasmine
    September 21, 2016

    I made this banana bread and it was amazing😋 and since I don’t like nuts and can’t eat berries I added a cup of chocolate chips instead and it tasted so G😋😋D with strong coffee and tea. Thank you for sharing your recipes with us this is my 5 attempt of baking something.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 22, 2016

      Jasmine, thank you for such a sweeet review 😁 and you are very welcome!

      Reply

  • Julia
    June 23, 2016

    Made this today first time! This is soooo good. I used all purpose flour and instead if sugar I added honey. It came out perfect!! Thanks so much Natasha. Love ur blog!!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 24, 2016

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing that it works well with the honey! I’ve been curious to try that myself! 🙂

      Reply

  • Tzivia
    May 11, 2016

    Natasha made this banana bread recipe yesterday had a slice for breakfast with a schmear of peanut butter topped with a little fresh banana used a scant half cup of poppy seeds and omg poppy seed and walnuts go totally hand in hand thanx so much darlin it’s my favorite site big up thanx to vadim u both totally rock cheers

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 11, 2016

      Wow that does sound really good! Thanks for the awesome review 🙂

      Reply

      • Tzivia
        May 11, 2016

        Yo it sure was luv will be making this again gave a platter to my elderly neighbor Gladys and have another one set out for another elderly neighbor mrs n gr8 way to check up on somebody and for free really very good with honey another big up thanx to your sister anna cheers

        Reply

  • Tzivia
    May 9, 2016

    Mmmmm love bananas and walnuts gr8 combo Natasha right now I have a hand mixer would it work with that or am I better off mixing the batter by hand am in the works of getting a kitchen aid also I wonder if it would be really good with a little butter and jam or a schmear of peanut butter always looking for new breakfast ideas this looks really way good and yummmm and super easy peezy

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 9, 2016

      HI Tzivia, a hand mixer would work fine and you could probably even make it work with a whisk, by hand 🙂 One of my readers said she baked a strip of nutella in the center of the dough and loved it! 🙂

      Reply

      • Tzivia
        May 10, 2016

        Oh really wow so I have the option of using a hand mixer or a whisk cool awesome mmmmm nutella sounds very interesting I was also thinking choco chips or poppy seeds oh my the many ways of banana bread lol thanx @ usual Natasha for your helpful answers and tips darlin btw hope mother’s day was special for you have a gr8 day and week cheers

        Reply

  • Danielle
    February 24, 2016

    Hi Natasha,

    Is it possible to do this without a mixer? I just moved into a new place and all I have to work with is a whisk!! lol.

    Thanks,
    Danielle

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 24, 2016

      Danielle, It should work but you would need to have your butter very soft to mix it with sugar. Let me know how it turns out 😀

      Reply

  • Tanya
    February 24, 2016

    Hi Natasha, would it be ok to use another type of flour? All I have is Canadian flour

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 24, 2016

      Canadian flour would work great for this recipe 😃. Let me know how it turns out.

      Reply

  • Yelena
    February 16, 2016

    Great recipe. Although it might be a little too much sugar.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 16, 2016

      Thank you Yelena. Next time try 3/4 cup of sugar or even 1/2 cup would still work.

      Reply

  • Monica
    February 6, 2016

    Everything about banana bread makes me so happy!
    This recipe is the best!!!!
    I am a huge follower of your blog and love all your recipes.
    Thank you!
    Monica

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 6, 2016

      Thank you Monica for the nice review and the compliment and you are welcome 😁.

      Reply

  • Tatyana
    December 7, 2015

    The best bana bread ever! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 7, 2015

      Thank you for the nice review Tatyana and you are welcome 😁.

      Reply

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