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

  • Sarah Lisa
    June 6, 2023

    Is it ok to use parchment paper under the bread when baking? I live in Central America and our oven is propane. My bottom keeps burning a tiny bit, wondering if that would help.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 6, 2023

      Yes, you can use parchment paper to see if that helps.

      Reply

  • Sarah Lisa
    June 6, 2023

    Hola, I was curious, how full should the baking pan be before it goes into the oven? 3/4? Thank-you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 6, 2023

      Hi Sarah! I used a 9.25 long x 5.25 wide x 2.75 deep bread loaf pan for this recipe. It was about 3/4th of the way full.

      Reply

  • Jiselle
    June 5, 2023

    The perfect banana bread recipe! I used 1 egg instead of 2 and used 4 bananas instead of 3 and it came out moist and ight with just the right amount of sweetness. My whole family absolutely loves it ! The only mistake that I made was not doubling the recipe 😅

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 5, 2023

      Hi Jiselle! That’s wonderful. So glad your family enjoys this. It’s one of our favorites to make.

      Reply

  • Tom
    June 4, 2023

    This is the best banana recipe I have tried. I also add in 1/2 tsp of nutmeg and cinnamon and I use honey instead of sugar. I was wondering if you had a solution for high altitude for your recipe. It comes out moist but I feel that it could be more moist. I love it as does my wife. Thanks

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 4, 2023

      Hi Tom! I’m so glad you love the recipe. I don’t have any experience with high altitude baking to advise but you may find this article from King Arthur Baking helpful.

      Reply

    • Mary
      June 29, 2023

      This is what I did also with the spices – and used organic applesauce instead of all the sugar. That made it extra moist. Maybe that would help? It is certainly delicious.

      Reply

  • Braylie
    June 4, 2023

    i made this bread and it was absolutely delicious! i added a little cinnamon and brown sugar to my mashed up bananas and i think it added the perfect touch 🙂

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 4, 2023

      Sounds delicious, Braylie! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Colleen
    June 3, 2023

    Great recipe! I’ve made it three times now and it’s so tasty. My husband asks for it weekly now.
    I only had salted butter so just omitted the salt and added additional walnuts on top as we love walnuts. Will continue to make! Thanks for a delicious recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 3, 2023

      You’re welcome, Colleen! So glad you loved this recipe. Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Gail
    June 1, 2023

    It was mider than I expected. It needed to baked far longer than 1 hour but I had expected it would, given how stiff the batter was.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      June 2, 2023

      Hi Gail, what did you mean by ‘mider’? Also, the batter should not be stiff – it sounds like maybe something was off in the proportions.

      Reply

  • Debbie B.
    June 1, 2023

    Oh my goodness, such a delicious recipe. Made for my husband and he loves it. Making another for the weekend!!!! Thank you so much!!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 1, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Debbie! I’m glad it was a hit!

      Reply

    • KRF
      June 4, 2023

      Inside is moist which is good. Doesn’t have alot of flavor though. Baked for exact amount of time, sides and top were way too crisp, almost burnt. I think the temp needs lowered for cooking.

      Reply

  • Kirstian
    June 1, 2023

    It was so good!! I added nestle baking chocolate truffle 10/10

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 1, 2023

      Sounds like a good idea! Thanks for sharing that with us and for giving this recipe a great review.

      Reply

    • Ilan
      June 5, 2023

      Fantastic. Made 2 loaves and doubled the recipe. 1 deviation is I added castor sugar on top. Thank you. I have amazing pics if you would like to see.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        June 5, 2023

        Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Ilan! I’m so happy you enjoyed this Banana Bread!

        Reply

  • Anastasia M
    May 31, 2023

    Has anyone made this recipe in mini loaf pans? My family all has different preferences – some love nuts others hate them. Would love to make these in little pans instead.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 31, 2023

      Hi Anasasia, sounds like a good idea to make them in mini loaf pans. 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

  • AnneMarie Cotter
    May 29, 2023

    Making this recipe…AGAIN!!!
    Best and easiest recipe EVER!!
    I double the recipe and bring a loaf to the staff at my gym, because it’s healthy right?!?!😋

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 29, 2023

      That’s awesome! So glad you love the recipe.

      Reply

  • Tu
    May 28, 2023

    What a wonderful recipe! Packed full of flavour and easy to make. Thanks so much ❤️

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 28, 2023

      Thank you, I appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Anna Roops
    May 27, 2023

    Hello,
    I tried this recipe ( I added some cocoa powder and chocolate chips too) turned out so good.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 27, 2023

      Hi Anna! That sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Lyric
    May 26, 2023

    This was my first time making banana bread, and it was amazing! I definitely recommend this recipe to any beginners or someone who doesn’t know what to do with their ripe bananas. 10/10!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 26, 2023

      Hi Lyric! Thank you for sharing your experience with the recipe. So glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Missy Richard
    May 24, 2023

    Can’t make enough. Most requested dessert. Yes, we toast the bread slices, slather creme fresh, then top with more fruit. I like warmed up with scoop of ice cream or grab and go for ride to work…. Sweet tooth healthy craving also. 😋 such a versatile banana nut bread…

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 24, 2023

      That sounds so amazing! I’m glad you love the recipe!

      Reply

  • Stasia Horvath
    May 24, 2023

    Love this recipe, my new go to banana bread recipe, I only use 1/2 c of sugar, it’s plenty sweet, and swap out 1/2 c of flour with almond flour, delish every time. Thank you for your great recipe 👍

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 24, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Stasia! Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Kelli Elswick
    May 23, 2023

    I had to bake for 55 minutes on 325, I found 350 left it slightly burned on top. I have an electric glass top oven, don’t know if that makes in hotter in the oven or not. Other then that, I love this recipe

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 23, 2023

      Hi Kelli, did you have it set to a convection mode? That could do it and a convection oven would need an adjustment in temperature or time since it bakes foods faster than a standard conventional oven. Also, bake in the center of your oven and not too close to the heating elements. I hope that helps for next time!

      Reply

  • Kim W
    May 23, 2023

    I’ve made a many banana bread recipes, but this one is hands down the moistest I’ve ever made. I’ve never heard of raisins in it, and at first I thought that was why until my neighbors said the same thing to me. It was most delicious and moist banana bread ever. I made them each a loaf w/o raisins because they help me so much. (I asked prior, they don’t like raisins! They must be confused lol)
    This recipe is getting filled in “the best” folder. Thank you Natasha

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 23, 2023

      Aaaw, that’s so inspiring for us! Thank you so much for sharing your comments and feedback. We’re so glad that you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Ashley Moland
    May 23, 2023

    When I had some over ripe bananas, I decided to look up a banana bread recipe and this one had the best reviews so when I read more and figured out I had all the necessary ingredients I decided to go for it. I only had a 9×13 Pyrex to use, so I shortened the baking time to 40 mins and it came out perfectly!! About 1/3 of the pan is all that’s left of my creation, as I was up earlier than my husband and decided to put some on his plate for breakfast. It ended it actually being banana bread breakfast in bed rather than the usual eggs, sausage, and French toast🤣 thank you so much for your wonderful blog!!! I can’t wait to try more things(down to the vanilla extract!)=}

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 23, 2023

      Hi Ashley! That’s great to hear. Thank you so much for trying my recipe and for leaving feedback. I sure do appreciate it.

      Reply

  • BW
    May 22, 2023

    Planning on making this this week! I was wondering how many cups do the 3 bananas equate to? My bananas are fairly small and I’m not sure if I should use more!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 22, 2023

      Hi BW, based on a quick online search 2 medium-size bananas (about 7-8 inch long) make about 1 full cup of mashed bananas. I hope that helps!

      Reply

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