This recipe truly delivers the ultimate moist and tender loaf. The slight sweetness combined with those nutty crumbles makes this Banana Nut Bread utterly irresistible. It is my go-to comfort bake for busy afternoons.

When those bananas turn spotty on the counter, I know what time it is. These loaves disappear fast here, making them perfect for teacher gifts too. You will absolutely love this classic quick bread.

Why I Love This Recipe

I find this recipe so rewarding. It uses ingredients I always have stocked. The creaming process creates superb texture. Plus, it fills the whole house with the best aroma. It is easy enough for a Tuesday. It feels special every single time I slice it.

Banana Nut Bread Ingredients

The magic happens when ripe bananas meet rich butter and fine sugar. This simple combination creates a wonderfully tender crumb for our favorite quick bread. You only need a few pantry staples to achieve this golden loaf.

Substitutions and Tips

All-purpose flour: This provides the main structure. Feel free to try a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
Baking Soda: This helps our bread rise beautifully and evenly.
Very Ripe Bananas: These are non-negotiable for sweetness and moisture. Brown spots mean flavor!
Walnuts or Pecans: Use whichever nut you prefer for that perfect crunch. Toast them lightly beforehand for deeper flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar keeps the texture light. Brown sugar adds more molasses note if you like a darker flavor.

Remember, the full measurements for your Banana Nut Bread are waiting on the recipe card below.

How to Make Banana Nut Bread

Step 1

First, make sure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, grease and flour your 9×5 loaf pan well. Preparing the pan prevents sticking later on, which is crucial.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, you need to whisk together the dry items. That means the flour, baking soda, and salt go right in. Whisking incorporates air nicely.

Step 3

Now turn your attention to a large bowl please. Cream the softened butter and the sugar together well. Beat them until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step adds necessary air pockets.

Step 4

Beat in those eggs one at a time slowly. Then, stir in the vanilla extract carefully. After that, add your mashed bananas. Mix everything until it is just combined smoothly.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients now. Mix these gently until they are almost combined. Please, do not overmix the batter at all. Overmixing makes tough bread.

Step 6

Fold in the chopped nuts gently. Use a spatula for this action. You want to distribute the nuts evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7

Pour the entire batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread the top gently with your spatula. Make sure the batter fills the edges nicely.

Step 8

Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes easily. Test for doneness with a wooden skewer inserted in the center. If the top browns too fast, tent it loosely with foil. This keeps your Banana Nut Bread golden.

Step 9

Let the loaf cool in the pan for ten minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing if you can manage it.

How to Store Banana Nut Bread

Keeping your homemade bread fresh is very important. Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature. It stays good for about three days that way. For longer freshness, wrap slices well. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to a week. Freezing works wonders too for future snacks.

Tips for Success

Use bananas that are heavily speckled or fully black. They provide the best moisture.
Never overbeat after adding the flour. That is when tough bread happens fast.
A good quality vanilla extract truly elevates the simple flavor.
If your oven runs hot, use that foil tent sooner rather than later.
Cooling completely helps the final texture set perfectly.