Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon

Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon is a timeless homemade classic that fills the kitchen with warmth, comfort, and the irresistible aroma of baked bananas and spice. Made with ripe bananas, fragrant cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, this bread strikes the perfect balance between moist, tender crumb and rich, nutty texture.

This recipe is ideal for using up overripe bananas and turning them into something truly special. Cinnamon adds a gentle warmth that complements the natural sweetness of bananas, while walnuts provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a simple dessert, this banana bread feels like a comforting hug in loaf form.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s reliable, cozy, and incredibly flavorful. The cinnamon enhances the banana flavor without overpowering it, and the walnuts add texture that keeps each slice interesting. It stays moist for days and tastes just as good warm from the oven as it does the next morning.

It’s one of those recipes that brings people together and never goes out of style.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect way to use overripe bananas
• Soft, moist texture with crunchy walnuts
• Warm cinnamon flavor throughout
• Easy, no-fuss baking recipe
• Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert

If you love classic baked goods with deep flavor and comforting texture, this banana bread is a must-try.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Classic
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: Approx. 240 calories per slice

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

• ¾ cup chopped walnuts

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan
2. Mix dry ingredients
3. Combine wet ingredients
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture
5. Add walnuts
6. Bake until golden and set

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 4: Combine

• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
• Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Walnuts

• Gently fold in chopped walnuts.

Step 6: Bake

• Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
• Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

• Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with butter
• Enjoy plain with coffee or tea
• Spread with cream cheese or honey
• Toast slices lightly for added texture

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness
• Don’t overmix batter to keep bread tender
• Tent loaf with foil if top browns too quickly
• Let bread cool before slicing for clean cuts
• Toast walnuts before adding for deeper flavor

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Add ½ cup chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Healthy Banana Bread

Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.

Nut-Free Banana Bread

Omit walnuts or replace with seeds.

Spiced Banana Bread

Add nutmeg or cloves along with cinnamon.

Vegan Banana Bread

Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week

Freezing

• Wrap slices or whole loaf tightly
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temperature or warm gently

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon is a comforting classic that never fails to satisfy. Moist, flavorful, and filled with warm spice and crunch, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this banana bread delivers homemade goodness in every slice—and once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.