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 6175 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 6175 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Lori R.
    July 15, 2023

    This recipe is delicious!! I didn’t have walnuts so I only used the raisins. I will be making this again and trying different add-ins for sure!! Thank you so much for posting!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 15, 2023

      You’re very welcome, Lori! I’m so glad you liked it.

      Reply

      • Aria
        July 23, 2023

        This was my first time making banana bread from scratch. The recipe was easy to follow and the bread came out delicious! 100% would recommend.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          July 24, 2023

          Thanks so much, Aria. Appreciate it!

          Reply

      • Bonnie
        August 3, 2023

        I only have two bananas! Would you recommend adjusting the ratios?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          August 3, 2023

          Hi Bonnie! You can change the serving size at the top of the recipe card and it will convert the ingredient list for you (try 7 servings).
          You can use a smaller pan if you’d like or use the same pan but it will be flatter. You’ll need to watch it in the oven, the bake time will be different.

          Reply

  • Nanette
    July 14, 2023

    Wow! Very moist and light. A tad too sweet for me, but nonetheless delicious. Omitted nuts, as I have picky eaters. I’ll try adding chocolate chips next time. Thank you sooo much. All your recipes are spot on.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 14, 2023

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Nanette!

      Reply

  • Ioana
    July 14, 2023

    This banana recipe is amazing, thank you Natasha! I made it for my 2yo son today by using a silicon tray with different shapes. It was very easy to make and ready in no time. I’m sure he will love it 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 14, 2023

      Thank you, I hope he loves it!

      Reply

  • tes
    July 11, 2023

    I just made this recipe and boy is it delicious. I omitted the raisins and replaced them with chocolate chips. So good. I also added a dollop of sour cream and as recommended by another person put a tray of water in the oven for the last ten minutes. it came out literally perfect!! will def make again!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 11, 2023

      So glad that you enjoyed our Banana Bread Recipe with chocolate chips too!

      Reply

  • Chelsea
    July 11, 2023

    I’ve made this a few times and it’s ALWAYS good! We add chocolate chips instead of nuts!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 11, 2023

      Hi Chelsea! Thank you for sharing. I’m glad you love the recipe!

      Reply

  • April
    July 8, 2023

    I just made this the other day. I have never made banana bread from scratch so I was really nervous. I omitted the walnuts and raisins then subbed 1/2 cup peanut butter chips (and 1/2 cup chocolate chips, too!). I used an air fryer oven and baked for an extra 10 minutes. I have got to say, in all my life, I have NEVER had a more scrumptious banana bread! 10/10 would recommend. Super easy instructions and seriously delicious! I have tried dozens of different banana breads (from the store and from family/friends) and this is by far the most perfect banana bread I have ever had. Thank you for posting this terrific recipe! ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 8, 2023

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, April!

      Reply

  • Maddie Rand
    July 8, 2023

    good bread. i made it for a banana bread contest and got last. too many walnuts 🙁 that’s my only complaint

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 8, 2023

      I’m sorry to hear that, Maddie! This can definitely be made without the walnuts too, so feel free to experiment with the add-in’s.

      Reply

  • Teags
    July 8, 2023

    I’ve made this recipe before and I love it. It’s a great banana bread recipe. I always use walnuts and chocolate chips inside and my in-laws love it!

    I’m trying to make it today but I got mini loaf pans, do you have a recommendations for how long to bake it?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 8, 2023

      Hi Teags! 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

  • Anna F.
    July 8, 2023

    5 Stars all the way! This was a great recipe, so moist and tasty. It dissapeared so fast from the house and nobody will own up to eating a whole loaf in a day.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 8, 2023

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Anna!

      Reply

  • Kaylie Moore
    July 6, 2023

    Hi Natasha! Big fan…actually I dare to say your biggest fan! I make this probably twice a week! I will be taking one loaf out of my freezer to give to my church this weekend- what are instructions for unfreezing a loaf and how long does it take to de thaw? -Kaylie

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 6, 2023

      Hi Kaylie! I’m so glad you enjoy the recipe. I appreciate the love and support.
      I have not timed how long it takes to thaw this from frozen, it can depend on the room temperature too. If left out overnight it should be thawed by morning.

      Reply

  • Millie
    July 6, 2023

    The best I have ever made thanks to your recipe 😋 😊 it came out perfect for ever baking this

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 6, 2023

      Hi Millie! Thank you for trying my recipe. I’m so glad you loved it. It’s our favorite banana bread!

      Reply

  • svetlana
    July 6, 2023

    The best Banana Bread I ever tasted !
    Excellent recipe, tastes Amazing and so easy to do.
    Thank you Thank You
    PS: By the way all your recipes (the ones I tried) are extra fabulous.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 6, 2023

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Svetlana! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Nicole
    July 5, 2023

    This was delish. I added a bit of sour cream because I do like mine incredibly moist. Sour cream has always been my friend in banana bread recipes! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 5, 2023

      That’s great, Nicole! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Judy
    July 5, 2023

    My favorite banana bread recipe. Never fails this not-so-great baker.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 5, 2023

      So glad you love this one, Judy! It’s one of our favorites too.

      Reply

  • Nilofar
    July 3, 2023

    Just made this! 😃

    Turned out amazing!
    Never had a banana bread trun good!!!!

    Only thing I did additional was in the last 15-20minutes I put a cookie tray with just water in it, on the oven rack below the bread pans.

    Sooo good!! ❤️

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 3, 2023

      Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed this!

      Reply

  • Aunty Oma
    June 30, 2023

    It’s an ohkay recipe. Came out a little dry even though I watched it like a hawk to make sure I didn’t overtake.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 30, 2023

      Hi! I’m sorry it was dry. This recipe has hundreds of 5 star reviews, it’s been tested and proved to be one of the best we’ve ever tried. I have never had this be dry when following the recipe as instructed. Using too much flour or over baking it could be the cause. I’ve attached my tutorial on how to measure ingredients to show you my process. Every oven bakes differently so I highly encourage the use or an internal oven thermometer (affiliate link) to make sure you oven is at the right temperature. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Laine
    June 30, 2023

    Thanks for adding the metric measures. With only two bananas (one got eaten in the night) it was easy to divide. Still used 2 eggs. Delicious !

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 30, 2023

      You’re welcome! Glad it was helpful.

      Reply

  • Sarah Nicole Barnes
    June 29, 2023

    I would give 100 stars honestly. My work had a ton of browned bananas we couldn’t use so i decided to make banana bread with them and found this recipe. I made three loaves and they were all gone in two days, so i has to make more! I used walnuts and chocolate chips instead of raisins. SO moist, but not gooey. Saving this recipe forever!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 29, 2023

      Hi Sarah! This is our favorite banana bread recipe! I’m so glad it was a hit!

      Reply

  • Nicole Martin
    June 24, 2023

    I want to make this today but I don’t have walnuts or raisins. Do I need to adjust anything in the recipe to compensate for the missing ingredients?? 🤔

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 24, 2023

      Hi Nicole, you sure can, we have a section in the recipe titled: “Can I Omit Walnuts and Raisins?” I recommend reading through there for steps! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Kiana E
    June 23, 2023

    How much honey would I need to use instead of the sugar? I don’t think I would need 1.5 cups of honey lol

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 24, 2023

      Hi Kiana! See my notes above under “Substitutions for a Healthy Banana Bread.” Feel free to experiment with less honey if you prefer.

      Reply

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