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

  • Carolina
    August 24, 2023

    First time making banana bread, it turned out great!! The whole family loved it. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2023

      I’m so glad it was a hit with the family, Caroline! That’s awesome!

      Reply

  • Kem P.
    August 24, 2023

    Thank you for sharing this recipe. I’ve used it 5 times in the past 2 months, making both bread & muffins. Needless to say my family loves them. It’s become a staple in my house. I’m making a loaf today.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2023

      I’m so happy you all enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • MJ
    August 23, 2023

    I kid you not this is the best banana bread I ever had/made it’s delicious and moist on the inside but crispy on the outside. Super simple and easy to make! Definitely try it out.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 23, 2023

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

      Reply

  • Kate
    August 23, 2023

    Great recipe! My only suggestion is to soak your raisins in spiced rum for about an hour & drain before adding to mix. Adds a delicious spicy flavor to the loaf & to the overall moisture of the bread! Cheers!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 23, 2023

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

      Reply

  • xiomara
    August 21, 2023

    Best banana bread! I use gluten free flour and its delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 21, 2023

      Great to hear that it turned out deliicous using gluten free flour! Thanks a lot for sharing.

      Reply

    • Melisa LALONDE
      November 3, 2023

      Super easy, Love it. My go to easy banana bread. Very moist, good flavor. Also I find the recipe very easy to follow, love the ratio/ mixing is also in the recipe description, and just not posted above Thank you for sharing it.

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        November 3, 2023

        Thank you for sharing, Melisa!

        Reply

  • Irina Skylar
    August 19, 2023

    I made this recipe recently and decided to use a different pan than what was specified in the instructions. Despite the change, the recipe turned out perfectly! The flavors were well-balanced and everyone enjoyed it. In fact, people went back for seconds, which is always a good sign that a dish was a big hit. Even with a small variation from the original pan, this recipe proved versatile and delicious. Thank you for sharing it – I’ll definitely be making it again!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 19, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Irina! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Judi White
    August 18, 2023

    Just tried the banana bread recipe and it is the best ever! Moist, layers of taste, and texture. I used chocolate chips an walnuts ❤️
    Judi W.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 18, 2023

      It really is the best! I’m so happy you loved this banana bread, Judi!

      Reply

  • Pam
    August 17, 2023

    Just made a double batch and made into muffins. Best banana bread recipe I have ever made!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 17, 2023

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

      Reply

  • Angie
    August 17, 2023

    Hi Natasha
    If you don’t mind to write down, how much is 1 stick of butter in grams. I live in Australia and don’t know how much is 1 stick and 1/2 cup is not easy to measure. Thank you so much
    Angie

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 17, 2023

      Hi Angie, if you’re at the recipe card, you may click Metric to convert them to grams. Hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Andrea D
    August 15, 2023

    I made this the other day and was confused (and still am) on when and where does the sugar & butter get added? 🤔 Did I read it wrong? Thanks and I love your recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 15, 2023

      Hi Andrea, it’s in step #2 (the first thing you do is cream together the butter and sugar)

      Reply

  • Tiffany W.
    August 14, 2023

    Very good! Even when you forget to add the vanilla! Haha!
    I love the toasted nut idea – that added a depth of flavor. I used chopped dates instead of raisins and that came out great! I also did half walnuts, half pecans… and half butter, half coconut oil.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 14, 2023

      So great to hear that you enjoyed our Banana Bread Recipe, Tiffany. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Lucy D
    August 14, 2023

    Made this recipe with my great granddaughter and we loved it! They ate half of it the same day!! Left some to taste several days later and still as moist as the first day!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 14, 2023

      I’m so glad it was enjoyed!

      Reply

  • Manal
    August 14, 2023

    Love this recipe! It’s so yummy! I left out the raisens and added some chocolate chips instead. So good 😋

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 14, 2023

      So glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • Georgia G Wooten
    August 14, 2023

    I would like to use honey instead of sugar but don’t know how much to use. I read instructions and watched the video but can’t find the amount for the substitution.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 14, 2023

      Hi Georgia, this recipe works great with honey. In this recipe, the sugar and honey are a 1:1 substitution, unless you want less sweetness of course.

      Reply

  • Brittany
    August 13, 2023

    Had to comment to tell you I’ve made this several times already – full recipe and halved and they are delicious every time(I bake them in cupcake times with parchment cupcake liners). Please thank your husband for sharing. We omit raisins, but love the addition of toasted walnuts. This last time I sifted the flour before adding(in addition to whisking) and we enjoyed the results. Thanks again.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 13, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Brittany! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

  • Patricia A Milligan
    August 13, 2023

    I made your recipie for Banana bread and I have to say that I have never made a better sweet bread. Family loved it.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 13, 2023

      That’s wonderful to hear!

      Reply

  • Darlene
    August 11, 2023

    Made the recipe again. Added dates as well as raisins and walnuts but added a splash of dark rum. Also added cinnamon and a little nutmeg. I made muffins instead of bread. It was delicious! Love this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 11, 2023

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Darlene!

      Reply

  • George
    August 7, 2023

    This is very hard to read and follow with so much flashing and advertisments.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 7, 2023

      Hi George, if you click jump to recipe at the top of the post it will take you straight to the printable recipe card. Thank you for sharing your concerns and feedback. 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. But we will definitely take note of your feedback and use it to improve our website.

      I appreciate your feedback, and I hope you love every recipe you try.

      Reply

  • Grettel CS
    August 7, 2023

    I love this recipe! Can I substitute butter for oil? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 7, 2023

      Glad you love it! One of our readers shared this “I was down to my last 4 tbsp of butter in the house so I subbed the other 4 for coconut oil. I added 1 tsp cinnamon. It was awesome!” Hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Aileen Siquioco Sigua
    August 2, 2023

    Thank you for this recipe. It made my mama and niece happy. We had a delicious merienda or snack.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 2, 2023

      You’re welcome, Aileen! I’m so glad you loved this recipe!

      Reply

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