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 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)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Myra Kamal
    February 7, 2023

    Had to make banana bread very quickly and this was the first 5 star recipe that popped up. And I’m so glad it did!

    Mine took only 20 minutes to bake since I had convection on.. and it’s so yummyyyy ♥️♥️. Even the batter was absolutely delicious! It’s so easy to make too. Can’t wait to make it again. Thank you so much for sharing your method!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 7, 2023

      I’m so glad you loved it, Myra! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review with me!

      Reply

  • Susan
    February 6, 2023

    The 2 of us just ate 1/3 of this delicious banana bread! And that was after a big dinner. 🙂 We couldn’t wait, it made the house smell so good while it was baking! Lightly floured the raisins so they might not fall to the bottom. The bread slices looked so pretty when cut! Will definitely make this again!! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 7, 2023

      The house truly smells so good when baking this bread! I’m so glad you loved this recipe, Susan!

      Reply

  • DJ Fangonil
    February 6, 2023

    My Go-To banana bread recipe! I tweaked some ingredients like:

    1. I only added 1/4 cup of sugar since the bananas are too sweet

    2. I only used 1 cup of flour to have it more pudding-like

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 6, 2023

      Thank you for sharing, DJ! 🙂

      Reply

  • Lee
    February 6, 2023

    This recipes looks so good want to make it but I was wondering can you add cream cheese to the recipe if not do you have a recipe for banana cream cheese bread

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 6, 2023

      Hi Lee, I haven’t tested that, but I think it could work. A couple of my readers mentioned in the comments they wanted to add cream cheese to it also, but after trying the recipe as written, they were hooked. Here’s what they had to say: “I usually put cream cheese and butter on mine but I wanted to try it without first. No, I do not need any of that, is is so moist and the right consistency. Thank you so much…” I hope that’s helpful!

      Reply

  • Kennetth
    February 5, 2023

    Best banana recipe that I have followed and made. I reduced the sugar to 1/2 cup and added 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. It turned out delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 5, 2023

      Glad that you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Foodlover
    February 4, 2023

    Hiii Natasha
    I tried banana bread first time it turned out very moist and yummy . My kids loved it .

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 4, 2023

      That’s wonderful! It’s our favorite go-to recipe for banana bread! I’m glad you love it too. Thank you. 🙂

      Reply

  • Helen T Swiatkowski
    February 4, 2023

    Thanks so much for all the hard work getting us these great recipes. Everyone I’ve made so far has been a smash hit. God bless you all. Helen/Granny

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 4, 2023

      Thank you, Helen! That is very kind. I’m glad this recipe was a hit. Be blessed!

      Reply

    • Lisa
      March 15, 2023

      Delicious! Didn’t add the nuts or raisins. Definitely would make again. Thanks for another great recipe!

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        March 15, 2023

        Thank you for the feedback, Lisa! 🙂

        Reply

  • Frannie in The True North
    February 3, 2023

    Beautiful recipe! My banana breads almost always have a very dense layer on the bottom of the loaf – about 1 inch high. Any suggestions to stop this from happening? Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 3, 2023

      Hi Frannie! I have not had that experience with my recipe. Are you referring to another? If so, I cannot advise without making it myself but if this is happening with my recipe, be sure to measure your ingredients correctly and do not over-mix the batter. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Shelby Hand
    February 3, 2023

    Can this be made into muffins?? If so how long should I bake for? I just finished making the batter and realized I don’t have a loaf pan… 🤦🏼‍♀️

    Reply

  • Michelle
    February 3, 2023

    Like the 3,000 five-star reviews before me… I have to say, this recipe was a huge hit. It got rave reviews and is now a part of our family recipe book.
    Thank you so much.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 3, 2023

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Michelle! This recipe is VERY popular!

      Reply

  • Anna
    February 2, 2023

    Am I blind or does it say how long it’s supposed to baking for…….?????

    Reply

    • Anna
      February 2, 2023

      Ok I found it 😬🙄 its almost Friday apparently I’m trying to rush things.🤪 Stand by for review 😉

      Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 2, 2023

      Keep an eye on the loaves and do the toothpick check around 25 minutes and see if it needs more time. Good luck! It should work fine 🙂

      Reply

  • Alim Siddiqui
    February 1, 2023

    Hi Natasha
    I didn’t had time earlier to post my review on the Banana Bread the recipe is good and your Banana Bread is in demand I have made four times already.
    An Excellent Recipe….

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 2, 2023

      Hi Alim, thank you so much for your review. So glad that you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Lisa
    February 1, 2023

    I made this and added flax seed. It came out delicious and moist! Thank you 😊

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 1, 2023

      Hi Lisa! That’s great to know. Did you make any other adjustments? Or just add flax seed?

      Reply

  • Steve
    February 1, 2023

    I’ve made this a few times and it is always moist and delicious! I use 4 medium size bananas and add chocolate chips instead of nuts or raisins. Followed everything else. Family loves it!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 1, 2023

      Hi Steve! Thank you for sharing with us. So glad that your family loves it!

      Reply

  • Lisa
    January 31, 2023

    I am thinking of making this but here in Asia, we usually have the baby bananas instead. Do you know roughly how many cups the 3 ripe bananas is equal to?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 1, 2023

      Hi Lisa, unfortunately, I was not able to measure it that way you can try to double it if they’re really small.

      Reply

  • Aurabel
    January 31, 2023

    Just baked a 12” heart-shaped banana bread with cream cheese and raisins. I doubled the ingredients and turned out amazing… posted it in FB, IG and Twitter with your hashtag.

    Thank you for the recipe. My kids and hubby loved it. 🤍

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 31, 2023

      Hi Aurabel! That sounds amazing! I will look for the tag. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Natalia
    January 30, 2023

    Exactly what I was looking for- easy to make and delicious to eat! So mouthwatering and already became my favorite! BTW, I love that you added the ingredients in the recipe, super convenient to follow while reading. Thanks, Natasha!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 30, 2023

      Hi Natalia! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! So glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Mary
    January 30, 2023

    This was the best banana bread I’ve ever made/eaten! It was beyond moist! I can’t have nuts & my husband won’t eat raisins, so I put in some chocolate chips, it was delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 30, 2023

      Hi Mary! That’s great to hear. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Kate
    January 30, 2023

    Amazing flavour and so so moist without being too heavy. Absolutely delicious!! I used pecans as I was out of walnuts and golden raisins. Yummo!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 30, 2023

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kate! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Carmen
    January 29, 2023

    Your website has so many ads and popups that it’s basically unusable. Shame because I would’ve liked to make this recipe, but ads and popups literally covered the text on this page and it took several minutes of closing ads to even get to this comment box.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 29, 2023

      The only way we can continue providing free recipes is by having ads on our site so we are not able to remove those at this time. We find that most people would rather see the ads than pay to see the recipes. You can also close the ads by clicking x after awhile.I appreciate your feedback and I hope you love every recipe you try.

      Reply

    • Kris
      February 19, 2023

      What I do is block all the information from the title to the end od the recipe. I click on copy then paste it in a text file as UNFORMATTED TEXT. You will have pasted all the text withiout pictures or ads. I look over the document and refer back to the link if something looks wrong.

      Reply

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