Banana Nut Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Banana Nut Bread Recipe because it’s like a warm hug on a chilly morning or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee. The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts gives it such a satisfying texture and flavor that I always find myself coming back for another slice. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those days when you want homemade comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how moist the bread turned out—thanks to the bananas and a little secret ingredient in the glaze! Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert, this Banana Nut Bread Recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep a batch in your freezer for whenever those banana cravings hit.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work together to create that classic banana bread flavor you know and love, with a little nutty crunch and a hint of cinnamon warmth. When shopping, pick bananas that are nice and spotty for maximum sweetness and softness.

• All-purpose flour: The base for the bread, giving it enough structure without being too dense.
• Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay light; fresh baking soda is key here.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that complements the bananas beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ripe bananas: The star of the show—they bring natural sweetness and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread to perfection without overpowering.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to blend easily and add richness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor and adds a lovely aroma.
• Chopped walnuts: Give a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor; toast them lightly for even more depth.
• Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking for a crunchy, sweet crust.
• Powdered sugar & sweetened condensed milk: Mixed into a glaze that makes the finished bread extra special.

Variations

I love to tweak this Banana Nut Bread Recipe depending on the season and my mood—you should definitely feel free to personalize it too! Swapping nuts, adding spices, or turning this into a gluten-free treat can make it your own in no time.

• Nut Swaps: I’ve swapped walnuts for pecans or almonds when I want a different crunch, and each brings a unique flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Addition: Adding a handful of chocolate chips makes this bread feel extra indulgent, perfect for dessert.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a sensitive tummy—just be sure to check rising times.
• Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist.

How to Make Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Bananas Ready

Start by mashing those ripe bananas. I find that ripping off the peel and mashing with a fork right in the bowl works best and easiest. You’ll want them nice and soft with just a few small lumps—not completely smooth—to keep some texture. Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots make your bread naturally sweet and moist, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mix ensures your banana nut bread rises evenly and gets that warm cinnamon kick. I always sift or whisk my dry ingredients because it makes folding into the wet stuff so much smoother.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs

Using a mixer or a sturdy spoon, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color. This step traps air so the bread isn’t dense. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This mixture will smell amazing—one of the moments I look forward to in this recipe!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures, Add Nuts

Now, gently fold in the mashed bananas to your butter-sugar mixture, then slowly add the flour mixture. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender. Finally, stir in the coarsely chopped walnuts just until distributed—those nutty chunks make the bread so satisfying.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, sprinkle with more chopped walnuts and some turbinado sugar for a crunchy top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled slightly, whisk powdered sugar and sweetened condensed milk into a glaze and drizzle it over the loaf—this glaze adds a subtle sweet creaminess that makes the bread irresistible.

How to Serve Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top for that inviting crunch, but a thin spread of butter or cream cheese definitely takes it up a notch. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of honey or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can make the slices look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

This banana nut bread pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or tea—my go-to combo. For breakfast, I’ll sometimes serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches, I’ve sliced the bread into smaller cubes to serve as part of a sweet bread basket with assorted jams and nut butters. It’s perfect for gifting, too—wrap a loaf in parchment paper and tie with a pretty ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays delicious for about 3 days. If you know you won’t finish it that fast, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap helps keep it extra moist.

Freezing

Freezing banana nut bread is a total game-changer for me. I like to slice it first, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. That way, I can grab a slice whenever I want, and it still tastes fresh after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or toast it lightly in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Adding a little butter or cream cheese on top when warm makes it extra comforting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Banana Nut Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s simple enough for any day yet special enough whenever you want to impress family or guests. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, I promise you’ll enjoy making and sharing this loaf. Give it a try and soon you’ll understand why it’s one of those recipes you keep coming back to time and again!

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