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

  • John Ryan Hisarza
    April 10, 2023

    Thanks for this recipe Natasha and I’m looking forward to making this one, my favorite. About a few months ago, I made this banana bread using overripe banana and it came out so good, with added oats for fiber. Yummy!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 10, 2023

      Hi John! You’re very welcome! I hope you love it.

      Reply

  • Jill Marie Thomas
    April 10, 2023

    Can I make mini loaves with this recipe? If so, how many does this recipe make and how much time needed to bake the mini loaves?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 11, 2023

      Hi Jill, I haven’t tried this recipe as mini loaves myself, but my readers mentioned in the comments they did. They reported the following: “I made them in 4 mini loafs and baked them for 35 minutes. No top cracking!” I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Kelly
    April 10, 2023

    made this for the first time. No raisins on hand so added 3/4 mini chips instead and sprinkled 1/4 c walnuts on top – this was AWESOME. Husband LOVED it. This is now my ‘go to’ for ripe bananas 🙂 Thank you so much

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 10, 2023

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Kelly!

      Reply

  • Ryan
    April 9, 2023

    I made two batches, one with sugar and the other with honey. Hands down, honey came out much better, not as dense as the loaf with sugar. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 9, 2023

      Thank you for sharing your experience, Ryan. We appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Shelley
    April 8, 2023

    Natasha, I have used a few of your recipes, to get different ideas for weeknight dinners.
    Kids are gone, always trying something new to get away from the usual. This is nice recipe, it is moist and my family enjoyed. It will be one of my go to recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 8, 2023

      That’s great, Shelley! I’m glad it was enjoyed.

      Reply

  • Jessica
    April 8, 2023

    Love it!
    Obsessed!
    Making too much now is my problem. I need a blog on how to stop🤣!
    Is there a banana bread anonymous?
    Perfect base recipe to change it up with the extras!!! You did a Great Job Thank You!!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 8, 2023

      Thank you for sharing, Jessica! So glad you loved the recipe. It’s our favorite! 🙂

      Reply

  • Kahwana
    April 7, 2023

    I made this wonderful recipe. I added cinnamon & pecans. I also baked in muffin pans. I did the muffin pans because we enjoy the brown edges and you get that all over and underneath in muffins. I used a dark coated muffin pan X 2. I did not use cupcake liners as that takes aways from the outside browning. I love this recipe. I highly recommend. Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 7, 2023

      Thank you for the wonderful feedback. So glad you love the recipe. 🙂

      Reply

  • Jackie Kerr
    April 7, 2023

    Natasha,
    Unfortunately this bread was extremely dry. Never have I given you a bad review and I apologize! I did leave out raisins so maybe that’s why??
    I’ve found a recipe with buttermilk that is superb!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 7, 2023

      Hi Jackie! I’m sorry to hear that. The buttermilk banana bread sounds amazing! This recipe has thousands of 5 star reviews and I’ve never had this be dry. I don’t think the raisins would have effected this, many of my readers leave them out. If it’s dry, it’s usually due to either using too much flour or over-baking. I’ve attached my tutorial on how to measure your ingredients HERE . I also recommend using an internal oven thermometer when baking to check your oven temperature and make adjustments if needed.

      Reply

  • Faiza I.
    April 6, 2023

    Turned out absolutely amazing! 😋
    Thanks for such an awesome recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 6, 2023

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Marissa
    April 6, 2023

    This has become a family favorite. I’ve made it several times and everyone loves it! Thank you, Natasha, for sharing this recipe! (P.S. I 86’d the raisins…because we are a funny bunch. LOL!)

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 6, 2023

      Aaaw, thank you for the awesome review!

      Reply

  • Gallant Muriel
    April 6, 2023

    I just love love all your recipes you post thank you so much…

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 6, 2023

      You’re welcome! So glad that you are enjoying them.

      Reply

  • Jeri
    April 5, 2023

    I substituted gluten free flour mixture in the same quantity the recipe suggested for flour. It turned out well. I also used the batter for 2 small loaves instead of one fill size.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 5, 2023

      Hi Jeri! Thank you for sharing that with us. 🙂

      Reply

  • Pamela Roberts
    April 5, 2023

    Sounds like a wonderful recipe.
    Can I bake this in two smaller loaf pans.
    I love your recipes.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 5, 2023

      Hi Pamela! Yes, that should work fine. I can’t give you the exact time since I haven’t tested this recipe in all the different sizes but it will get done faster so keep your eye on it in the oven.

      Reply

  • Sally
    April 5, 2023

    Wow! Delicious recipe! Thank you also, for the tips on ripening bananas in oven, I cant stop eating it, its soooooo good!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 5, 2023

      You’re very welcome, Sally! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply

  • Jenn
    April 5, 2023

    Amazing recipe…it rises perfectly and the flavour is spot on.
    Followed the recipe as is but
    I didn’t add nuts or chocolate chips but added peeled small apple cubes – you won’t regret trying this.
    It didn’t affect the rise or bake time as far as I could tell.
    Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 5, 2023

      Hi Jenn! Thanks so much for sharing. I’m glad you loved it. This is our favorite banana bread!

      Reply

  • Marcia
    April 4, 2023

    Super easy and mouth watering. yummy! Googled and found your recipe for Banana Bread and chose it because of the 5 star rating. Really easy to make and the end results came out great. I had so many over ripe frozen bananas in the freezer. I had enough to make 4 loaves. 1 plain banana bread, 1 with walnuts on top (so those that don’t like nuts can pick them off the top), and 2 with chocolate chips. The house smelled fantastic and the banana bread was DELISH!

    My only suggestion is to add next to the 3 bananas an approximate measurement (example: 2 cups of mashed bananas), as all my frozen bananas were in chunks so I didn’t know how much was “3” bananas. I guestimated to 2 cups each, and it came out great.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 4, 2023

      Hi Marcia, thank you for your comments and suggestion. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Morgan
    April 4, 2023

    I subbed the butter for canola oil and the walnuts for pecans and put the pecans on top before baking. Also added cinammon to the batter. The edges browned a bit in my oven (60 min) but the inside was moist. I drizzled honey on top while it was still hot, next time I’ll do maple syrup. Came out great

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 4, 2023

      Thank you for sharing, Morgan! 🙂

      Reply

  • Patti Gaetan
    April 3, 2023

    will it affect the outcome if I omit the raisins and nuts ? My family is not fond of these items in banana bread.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 3, 2023

      Hi Patti! No, you can leave them out if you prefer. Many of my readers have done this or replaced with other things like chocolate chips and cranberries.

      Reply

  • Sarah Smith
    April 2, 2023

    Live this recipe? Can I make it the night before, store in fridge, and cook in the morning?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 3, 2023

      Hi Sarah! I have note tested that. In general, it’s best to bake cakes right away or they can get gummy and not rise when baking.

      Reply

  • Iris Powell
    March 31, 2023

    Used ground pecans
    Very highly recommend extra 1/4th cup of brown sugar to the recipe to make muffins instead of bread

    For cupcakes
    24 minutes at 350 degrees

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 31, 2023

      Thank you for sharing, Iris!

      Reply

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