Banana Bread with Walnuts

Few things compare to the aroma of freshly baked banana bread drifting through your kitchen. Warm, tender, and perfectly moist, this Banana Bread with Walnuts is the ultimate classic comfort bake. Made with ripe bananas, butter, vanilla, and crunchy walnuts, this loaf has the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and rich banana flavor.

Whether enjoyed for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this recipe delivers a soft crumb and delicious nutty finish that keeps you coming back for “just one more slice.”

Why I Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients you already have.
• Moist and flavorful every time.
• Perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

This banana bread is not just a recipe; it’s a memory-making bake that warms the soul.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

If you’ve ever been disappointed by dry or dense banana bread, this recipe is a game changer. It uses perfectly ripe bananas, the right amount of moisture, and chopped walnuts to elevate both flavor and texture. Whether you’re a baking beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe guarantees delicious results.

Recipe Details

Feature	Information
Preparation Time	10–15 minutes
Cooking Time	55–65 minutes
Servings	8–10 slices
Calories	Approximately 265 calories per slice
Course	Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Cuisine	American Baking / Classic Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 3 medium bananas, extra ripe (about 1 ¼ cups mashed)
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar (or half brown sugar)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts + extra for topping

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and smooth.
3. Add eggs, mashed banana, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.
6. Fold in walnuts.
7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra walnuts on top.
8. Bake 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Pan: Lightly grease loaf pan or line with parchment.
2. Mash Bananas: Use a fork for a chunky texture or whisk for smoothness.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat until creamy and pale.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix until smooth.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk all dry ingredients to prevent clumping.
6. Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft and moist.
7. Fold in Walnuts: Add crunch evenly throughout the batter.
8. Bake & Cool: Bake until golden brown and cool before slicing.

How to Serve

Serve slices:

Warm with butter
With cream cheese spread
Toasted with honey or maple syrup
Alongside coffee, tea, or milk

Recipe Tips

• The riper the bananas, the better the flavor — black spots are perfect.
• Do not overmix the batter or the bread may become dense.
• If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil while baking.

Variations

Style	Modification
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread	Add ½–1 cup chocolate chips.
Banana Nut & Raisin Loaf	Add ¼–½ cup raisins or dried cranberries.
Gluten-Free Version	Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Banana Maple Bread	Replace sugar with maple syrup (¾ cup) and reduce butter slightly.
Banana Coconut Bread	Add ½ cup shredded coconut and replace walnuts with pecans.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered for 3–4 days.
• Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week, wrapped tightly.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months.
  Thaw at room temperature or microwave 15–20 seconds.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• 9×5 loaf pan
• Spatula and measuring tools
• Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes—thaw completely and drain excess liquid before using.

Q2: Can I make muffins instead?
Absolutely! Bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes.

Q3: Can I reduce sugar?
Yes — reduce by ¼–½ cup depending on preference.

Q4: Why is my bread soggy in the center?
It may need more bake time. Ovens vary — always test with a toothpick.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread with Walnuts is a classic treat that’s easy to bake, wonderfully moist, and endlessly versatile. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven, toasted the next day, or frozen for later, this bread delivers consistent comfort and flavor. It’s a timeless recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.