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.
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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.
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!
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!
- In the mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Mix in mashed bananas and eggs.
- Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking soda and add to batter.
- 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
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:
- Apple Bread – a pull-apart moist apple bread
- Pumpkin Bread – so easy and we love it year-round
- Banana Chocolate Chip Bread always disappears fast
- Persimmon Bread – great way to use ripe persimmon
Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, (medium/large)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, (8 Tbsp) at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts
- ½ cup raisins
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
Filed Under
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.
Can someone please tell me what adjustments need to be made to this recipe for high altitude
I don’t have experience with high altitude baking but you may find this article on high altitude baking helpful in the future.
This recipe was a huge hit with my friends! I added walnuts and chocolate chips 🙂 Can this also be made into two loaves by doubling the ingredients?
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Amiya! Doubling it should work! One of our readers shared this “I doubled the recipe. Used less sugar and added some light brown sugar. I had leftover dates from my Italian fig cookies, so I chopped them and threw in as well as raisins and craisins and the toasted walnuts. I made two loaf pans and half dozen muffins. So good! The only recipe I will use for banana bread!” I hope that helps.
Thank you, Natasha! This Is the best recipe for Banana Bread! I just made two loafs and it tastes amazing! I did not use raisings and also used a lemon zest. It’s just perfect! Thank you for your recipe.
That’s wonderful! So glad you loved this recipe.
How long does this bread remain fresh? What packaging will keep it fresh the longest?
Thank you!
Hi Catherine, this is best enjoyed within the first couple of days. You can store it at room temperature in an airtight container or in the refrigerator. It also freezes well.
This recipe looks very good. Only one problem I have, I am allergic to nuts. Is there a substitute that could be used.
Hi Bev, PLease see the “Can I Omit Walnuts and Raisins?” section in the recipe. I hope that helps!
I never add nuts to any of my recipe cuz I don’t like them in my food
Hi Natasha. I followed this recipe to the letter. After it cooled I had a slice with a coffee. Delish!!! I decided to have a 2nd slice just now and it fell apart “crumbly” after I cut it. What did I possibly do wrong????? Thanks,mike
Did you make any substitutions? You may also watch my tutorial on how to measure ingredients HERE. Also, I would look through the recipe notes again to make sure you didn’t miss anything. I hope that helps.
I have been baking banana bread for over 50 years. Hands down, best recipe ever.
I’m so happy you love this recipe. Betty! Thank you so much for the fantastic review! I am smiling big reading your comment!
I made this recipe and it didn’t rise. What did I do wrong? It tasted more like a banana cookie.
Hi Rafael! Did you make any substitutions? It sounds like you could have used too much flour. Watch my tutorial on how to measure ingredients HERE. Also, I would look through the recipe notes again to make sure you didn’t miss anything. I hope that helps.
Thank you so much Natasha. I appreciate you and wish we could meet some day. Come to Brazil.
Thank you, Rafael!
Also you might want to check your baking sodas expiration date. I never knew it expires, but it does….like yeast and it makes a big difference.
This is the best recipe! I love it!
Can I make ahead and freeze?
Hi Carol! yes, 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.
Unfortunately, I didn’t care for this recipe. It didn’t have the deep banana flavor and the crust was a little off for me.
Hi Donna! I’m sorry you did not enjoy this recipe. I’m happy to help troubleshoot. This recipe has amazing reviews and is on our the favorites on our site. Did you by chance use any substitutions, or make any changes?
Really like this recipe. Moist for sure. Love the longer bread pan. Next time I want to try in cast iron skillet. It only took 45 mins in my oven. I prob could have taken out at 43 mins. I double batch and it doubled well. Made one with pecans and the other plain. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing! Pecans are a great addition! I’m glad you like this recipe. 🙂
The recipe was easy to follow and the banana bread was amazing! Thanks so much for sharing! Made one with walnuts and one plain. 😋❤️
You’re so welcome! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I have just made this Banana Nut Bread and used honey instead of sugar. It’s really good and I’m not crazy about Banana Bread. Will keep this recipe. Thanks for sharing
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Peggy!
Thanks for an amazing recipe Natasha. My family loved it!!!
Keep up the excellent work and recipes that we can trust.
I’m so glad, Desiree! Thank you for the review.
Hi Natasha,
I tried your recipe using brown sugar because I don’t usually keep granulated white at home and it turned out great! I omitted the raisins (I don’t have this one too) and just replaced with chocolate chips. My kids love it!!! 🙂 What a nice Thanksgiving treat for us. 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you for sharing that with us, Maria. I’m so glad it was a hit for the family! 🙂
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this in the last 4 years. This recipe has been my go to. It is requested monthly by my husband and daughter anytime they see a banana get a little brown.
Aaaw, that’s so great to hear! Good to know that this is your family’s go-to recipe!
Question: When substituting sugar with honey, is the honey measure for measure? For example, instead of 1 cup of sugar, would I use 1 cup of honey?
Hi Jerry, it depends on the recipe, but for this recipe, that will work. Several of our readers have used honey in place of sugar. Here’s what one of our readers wrote: “I used honey in place on sugar, same amount, and it turned out great!” I hope this helps!
Can you cook it in an air fryer? Or turbo broiler? How many degrees? Minutes. Ty
Hi Vee, I haven’t tried this recipe in either to advise. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
I want to make this but was wondering if I can use oil instead of butter
Hi Griselda! I know that there are many banana recipes that use oil instead of butter. I haven’t tested it in this recipe but feel free to experiment.
i guys! I just put my loaf pan into the oven. Where in the oven should the bread be placed if I am at 1000 meters elevation? (I live in the middle of the Rocky Mountains in B.C. and my baking has been hit and miss for many years. I think placement and oven are important “ingredients!” thanks-the batter sure is yummy!
Hi Betsy! I don’t have experience with high altitude baking but you may find this article on high altitude baking helpful in the future.