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

  • Colleen
    October 12, 2023

    I just made this beautiful desert and I put cranberries and raisins and I had 5 really ripe bananas I put butter on mine but it’s so good a cup a tea with heaven my second or so time using this recipe oh I also used honey

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 13, 2023

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • aaron
    October 12, 2023

    moist af if you don’t add raisins xD

    srs. i added a extra half banana and i don’t even know if i added the ‘right amount’ of flour but it turned out moist af without raisins and extra 1/2 banana. tried this recipe by the book the first time and the raisins are just not a good idea for this. put them in the oatmeal raisin cookies : )

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 13, 2023

      Hi Aaron. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

    • Dale
      October 21, 2023

      I always soak my raisins for 30 minutes or so. This way they won’t draw so much moisture from the bread. Just a suggestion, especially if they have been in your cupboard awhile.

      Reply

      • Sharyl Winebar
        October 29, 2023

        I always soak my raisins in boiling water for at least 20 minutes before using in cookies or bread – my mom taught me that 😊

        Reply

  • Heidi
    October 12, 2023

    Delicious and easy. I just used one bowl and did everything in that one. I also used dried cherries since I didn’t have raisins. I did coat them in flour before I added so they wouldn’t sink.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 12, 2023

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

      Reply

  • MEREDITH WRIGHT
    October 12, 2023

    Natasha you are amazing, this bread is a hit with my kids

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 12, 2023

      I’m so glad to hear that, Meredith! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Sandra
    October 11, 2023

    I LOVE banana bread but have never had any success baking it for some reason. I had three overripe bananas and saw all the positive recent reviews, so I thought I would try again. And let me tell you, I’m so glad I did! I followed the recipe exactly (omitted the raisins and walnuts as we’re not fans) and it turned out perfect. My loaf pan is a bit smaller so I ended up having to bake it for 1 hour, 5 minutes. This will now be my go-to recipe. Thank you for sharing it with us!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 11, 2023

      You’re so very welcome. I’m glad you found a new go to!

      Reply

  • Candy M Chaples
    October 11, 2023

    I used this recipe and it came out beautifully. So moist! My tweaks were: Added butterscotch and salted caramel chips, changed sugar to brown sugar and increased vanilla to 4 tbsp (for 3 loaves).

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 11, 2023

      Hi Candy! That sounds great, thank you for sharing with us.

      Reply

  • Craig
    October 11, 2023

    I have a question about the use of baking soda instead of baking powder. In the recipe ingredients there is nothing for the baking soda to react with (such as yoghurt or lemon) so why use baking soda instead of baking powder, which doesn’t require an acid to react with?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 15, 2023

      HI Craig, mashed bananas are acidic enough on their own to react with the baking soda.

      Reply

  • Michael
    October 10, 2023

    I’ve always avoided banana bread because I hade walnuts hidden in baked goods.

    I don’t know why it never occurred to me to just make my own.

    I made this recipe tonight with no nuts, and doubled the raisins. It is delightful.

    Thanks for the easy recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 10, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Michael! Thanks for trying the recipe!

      Reply

  • DJ
    October 9, 2023

    Just finished baking this for the first time. Used Einkorn flour instead of AP and substituted olive oil for butter. Also used pecans as I am out of walnuts and omitted raisins. My husband loved it so much he asked for seconds. Great recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 10, 2023

      Glad to hear that the subs that you used work great too! Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply

  • Deva
    October 9, 2023

    Made this for a potluck, total hit. Stole the last few slices for myself. Hubby asked “is there anymore of that banana bread left?” Toddler begged me for slice after slice and then when we ran out he cried. 5 stars

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 9, 2023

      Yay, so happy to hear that it was a huge hit!

      Reply

  • Amanda
    October 9, 2023

    This is hands down THE best Banana Bread recipe to Exist. I freeze half the loaf but it don’t last long in the freezer I can tell you that much. We absolutely LOVE this recipe. My fiancé raves about it, he really loves this banana bread recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 9, 2023

      Hi Amanda! I’m so glad you love this recipe. Thank you for the feedback. It’s our favorite recipe too!

      Reply

  • Stephanie
    October 8, 2023

    I did exactly as you did and my batter came out pretty runny still.. I used 3 bananas, just like you and double, sometimes triple checked the amounts of the rest of the ingredients I was putting it. I did not use raisins or walnuts. Its been in the oven for an hour already and it’s far from cooked.. idk what went wrong. Seems like the measuring portions weren’t right because when I added the bananas to the butter/sugar mix, there was twice as much banana mixture than butter/sugar mixture.. but I’m thinking there wasn’t enough flour to the rest of it. It won’t fully cook. Help!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 9, 2023

      Hi Stephanie! It sounds like your measurements are off somewhere. We have excellent results with this recipe so I know the quantities in the recipe card are correct. I would highly encourage watching my tutorial on How to measure ingredients . If you have a food scale, you can click on the “metric” button in the recipe card and measure your dry ingredients and butter by weight. Check your butter sticks to ensure the amount is correct- sometimes they come in different sizes. Also- be sure to fully preheat your oven before you start to bake or your baked goods will take longer to bake. I encourage the use of an Internal oven thermometer (affiliate link) to check your oven temperature. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Natalie
    October 8, 2023

    Can someone tell me, roughly how many cups of bananas are needed for this recipe please . they vary in size and weight so, someone that has made this could please tell me I’d appreciate it very much. Thank you so much.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 9, 2023

      3 bananas are roughly 1 cup mashed.

      Reply

      • Sandy
        October 11, 2023

        I believe they are more than 1 cup. Panamanian bananas are big and I end up mashing three and getting 2 cups!

        Reply

  • Catherine W.
    October 8, 2023

    Came out perfectly at altitude ( just south of Denver, CO) with a minor adjustment to time (50 minutes) and 1/4 tsp. less leavening.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 9, 2023

      Thank you for sharing that with us, Catherine.

      Reply

  • gene Borza
    October 5, 2023

    Also try Reeses peanut butter chips , 1 cup in each loaf, it’s quite a hit with family and friends!!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 5, 2023

      Sounds amazing!!

      Reply

  • Mary Z
    October 4, 2023

    I realized my loaf pan is in our storage, so I made 12 muffins in a cupcake pan using paper cups. I cooked them for 38 minutes on 350°F and they came out great!! Very yummy! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    Reply

  • Squirrel
    October 4, 2023

    This is the best banana bread I’ve ever tasted! Your new cookbook is awesome too! I expected this recipe to be inside, but it isn’t, so I’m glad I found this recipe before! Yummy!

    Reply

  • Tresa
    October 4, 2023

    I’m not a very good baker but this is the easiest and best recipe I have tried/made in a long time. Amazing! even my non-banana-bread loving husband likes it. So thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 4, 2023

      That’s wonderful! I’m so glad to hear that.

      Reply

  • Mallika
    October 3, 2023

    Very simple and and nicely explained for a non baker like me to follow and make it confidently for the second time. Thank you Natasha !

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 3, 2023

      You’re very welcome!

      Reply

    • Natalie
      October 8, 2023

      Do you know, roughly how many cups of banana you. Thank you so much.. I want to make this today and I have smashed frozen bananas .

      Reply

  • Michelle Richburg
    October 2, 2023

    Disappointing recipe. Found myself picking out the nuts qnd raisins as they were the only component w flavor.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 3, 2023

      Hi Michelle, I don’t recall anyone saying this was lacking in flavor so I’m wondering if maybe your bananas were underripe?

      Reply

      • Julie S
        October 8, 2023

        If hers was lacking…. She missed a step…. This recipe lacks Nothing ❤️❤️

        Reply

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