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

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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 6552 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 6552 votes (4,175 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Wade Ferguson
    August 1, 2018

    Would subing currents for raisins be okay?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 1, 2018

      Hi Wade! I haven’t tried it with Currant my self. They are pretty similar to raisins if dried. If you experiment please let me know how you like the recipe!

      Reply

  • William H McNew
    July 28, 2018

    Could you add alittle Rum to this?. if so how much?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 28, 2018

      Hi William, I honestly haven’t tried that but I think you could easily substitute the vanilla to make a rum banana bread. You’ll have to experiment if you want to use more than a teaspoon or two since I’m not sure how the extra liquid will affect texture of the banana bread.

      Reply

  • Jan
    July 27, 2018

    Hs anyone tried putting this bread into a plastic bag after it has cooled part way? It should still be fairly warm so the moisture stays inside the bread. I read a restaurant made theirs this way and it has worked GREAT with another recipe I have used.

    Reply

    • Jan
      July 27, 2018

      Sorry I made a misspell. Have no idea as to how to correct it here. Did not add a rating since I have not made it as yet but do plan on doing it today. Sounds great…

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        July 27, 2018

        Thank you Jan

        Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 27, 2018

      Sounds promising but maybe our readers have tried this and give us some tips.

      Reply

  • wella
    July 26, 2018

    I’ve made this twice already. The first time I added ground cinnamon as suggested by one of the readers & it turned out perfect & smelled delicious. The second time I only had 2 ripe bananas left so I added a small container of apple sauce ( I already had in my pantry) & added about 2-3 tbsps of flour. I used half a cup of brown sugar & added 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, some ground nutmeg & ground cloves. It turned out perfectly soft & moist & smells heavenly. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 26, 2018

      That’s so great! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Jodie
    July 23, 2018

    Thank you for the suggestion section of alterations your sister made. I ran out of all purpose flour and used a quarter cup of milled flax seed. It turned out great, although it cooked just a touch too long. I should have checked it at 45mins.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 23, 2018

      It’s good to know it works with substituting some milled flax seed.

      Reply

  • Cathy Peterson
    July 21, 2018

    Love this recipe but would love to suggest a little hint about the bananas. If you roast the bananas in the oven at 450 degrees until the skins turn black it brings out the banana flavors and sweetness.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 21, 2018

      Thank you for the great tip Cathy!

      Reply

  • Buta Nannan
    July 20, 2018

    I don’t want to use Wheat flour and sugar.what be the substitute i can use?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 21, 2018

      Hi Buta. I haven’t experimented with gluten free flour so can’t make a recommendation. If you experiment with it, let me know how it goes.

      Reply

  • Maria Reed
    July 17, 2018

    Can you please give me the recipe in pound and ounces, I don’t know how to convert it, thanks.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 17, 2018

      Hi Maria, We have the recipe posted in US Customary and a metric option you can select as well. Make sure you click off on the metric option if you want that. Hope this helps!

      Reply

    • Marie
      July 18, 2018

      Do you use self raising flour or plain for this banana bread .

      Reply

  • Michele
    July 16, 2018

    This recipe was super easy. I only used 1/2 cup sugar and no raisins. I also added 1/2 tsp cinnamon. It came out great!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 16, 2018

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Michele!

      Reply

  • Purplepassion
    July 16, 2018

    I just baked my first banana bread & cant wait to try it. I substituted brown sugar and used toasted walnuts. Hopefully it will be perfect for breakfast!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 16, 2018

      Thank you for making it 😀. It will be great with a morning cup of coffee ☕️

      Reply

  • Fredy G Solis
    July 15, 2018

    Can I use gluten free flour instead of regular all purpose flour

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 16, 2018

      Hi Fredy, I haven’t experimented with gluten free flour so can’t make a recommendation. If you experiment with it, let me know how it goes.

      Reply

  • Dunia
    July 15, 2018

    Hi Natasha,
    Was wondering if you’ve tried the bread with dates instead of raisins?
    Do I use the same amount?
    We love your recipes, always so good. Thank you!
    Dunia

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 16, 2018

      Mmm that sounds really good with dates instead of raisins! If you test that out, let me know how you like it! I would do the same measured amount after the dates are chopped.

      Reply

      • Dunia
        July 18, 2018

        Wow! I used dates instead of raisins and this bread came out amazing! I made 4 and shared them with neighbors. They loved the bread and want more. I guess I’ll have to buy a bunch of bananas this week and bake more bread and share. Love this recipe and all the others I’ve made. Thank you so very much! This is now my easy go to recipe!
        Dunia

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          July 18, 2018

          Thank you so much Dunia! You leave the most thoughtful comments! 🙂 I’m so happy you enjoyed this!

          Reply

      • Linda R Walk
        August 10, 2018

        I was thinking the same thing about using dates because my grandmother taught me her recipe for date nut bread. It was always super moist because she would cook the dates in the required amount of water. It really brought out the date flavor.

        Reply

  • Julie Borges
    July 15, 2018

    Hi Natasha. I would love to make your banana bread except for the amount of sugar. Can I substitute with Splenda? I would also substitute the raisins and nuts with blueberries.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 16, 2018

      Hi Julie, one of my readers wrote in, saying: ” I used the Splenda in place of sugar but used 3/4 cup of the white and 1/4 cup of the brown. I didn’t have walnuts but I toasted some granola and put that in and also didn’t have raisins, but did have craisins so I put that in place of the raisins. Have to say this was a hit with both of us. Thanks for the recipe.” I hope that helps

      Reply

    • gaby
      April 6, 2020

      I used half a cup of purevia stevia and it turned out amazing. The perfect amount of sweet.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        April 6, 2020

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it Gaby!

        Reply

  • Wanda
    July 14, 2018

    Can you substitute cranberries for raisins?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 14, 2018

      Hi Wanda! This should be just as good with cranberries! Let me know how you like it!

      Reply

  • Joanne
    July 13, 2018

    I have a loaf in the oven right now. Second one in a month. Now I purposely buy too many bananas so I have an excuse to make another one.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 14, 2018

      Thats a great reason to buy extra bananas!

      Reply

  • Bren
    July 13, 2018

    Instead of flour can I use almond flour

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 13, 2018

      Hi Bren. Great question I haven’t tried this with almond flour yet but it might work. It doesn’t look like anyone else commenting tried it. If you experiment please let me know how you like it.

      Reply

      • Doreen Scully
        March 1, 2021

        I am using almond flour and the banana bread turn our moist and nice but need to bake a little longer

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          March 1, 2021

          That’s wonderful! I’m glad that worked well, thanks for sharing that with us.

          Reply

  • NUR HIDAYAH BT OTHMAN
    July 13, 2018

    Thank you for the recipe. I’ve try it. And love it so much.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 13, 2018

      You’re so welcome! I’m happy you enjoyed this, Nur!

      Reply

  • Jenny
    July 12, 2018

    My family loves to eat this bread for breakfast with some hot coffee! This is by far the best banana bread I’ve ever tried!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 12, 2018

      Thank you for sharing that with us! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Alicia
    July 11, 2018

    Hi Natasha, this recipe looks amazing! I’ve been asked to make this cake for a friends wedding and wanted to know if this recipe works using a round cake tin? And how does this recipe pair with a cream cheese icing? Thank you 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 11, 2018

      I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. Also, I haven’t tried it with cream cheese icing, it may be a tad sweeter but it sounds like a great combination. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Gina
    July 11, 2018

    Can I add chocolate chips instead of raisins and walnuts???

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 11, 2018

      Hi Gina, I haven’t tried that but one of my readers wrote “I use milk chocolate chips instead of raisins or nuts. It is to die for!!!!”

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.