Name: Walnut Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491713H46M37S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1.5 cups); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped walnuts

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

I’ve found that the best way to use up those bananas that are just a little too freckled for eating out of hand is by transforming them into a truly divine walnut banana bread. This recipe yields a beautifully moist and tender loaf, dotted with the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s the kind of comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and beckons everyone to gather.

It’s become my go-to for a quick breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up because it stores so well, staying wonderfully fresh for a few days. Plus, the simple elegance of this nut bread always makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether shared with family or served to friends.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this walnut banana bread for so many reasons! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, even on a busiest weeknight. The flavor is simply unbeatable—sweet, comforting, and perfectly balanced. Plus, it’s so versatile. It makes a wonderful breakfast, a satisfying snack. Honestly, it’s the ultimate comfort bake.

Walnut Banana Bread Ingredients

The magic of a perfect loaf of walnut banana bread lies in its simple yet harmonious blend of ingredients. This easy banana bread recipe relies on pantry staples and the rich sweetness of ripe bananas to create something truly special. The combination of tender crumb and nutty texture is simply divine.

Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! Overripe bananas provide essential moisture, natural sweetness, and that classic banana bread flavor. The riper, the better for this recipe.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a tender crumb, contributing to the moist texture we all love.
Large Egg: This binds everything together, providing structure and helping the bread rise beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweet, fruity notes of the banana.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps tenderize the crumb. While ripe bananas add sweetness, a little sugar balances the flavors perfectly.
Baking Soda: Our leavening agent! It reacts with the acidity in the bananas to give the bread a lovely lift.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for our loaf. It’s important not to overmix once the flour is added.
Chopped Walnuts: These add a wonderful textural contrast and a deep, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with banana.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to switch things up or need a quick fix? You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor. If you don’t have walnuts, pecans make a fantastic substitute, or you can omit the nuts entirely. For a flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Store any leftovers (if you have any!) wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

9×5-inch loaf pan (or a standard muffin tin for banana bread muffins)
Large mixing bowl
Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
Whisk or spoon
Wire rack (for cooling)

How to Make Walnut Banana Bread

Making this delightful walnut banana bread is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf every time. This easy banana bread recipe is genuinely foolproof.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Now, prepare your loaf pan. Grease it well and then dust it lightly with flour. This helps ensure your beautiful bread doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab your ripest bananas. In a large bowl, mash them with a fork or a potato masher. You want them smooth, but a few tiny lumps are totally fine. This makes the moist banana bread just right.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Give it a good stir. Next, add the egg and the vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s well combined. This wet mixture is the base for our nut bread.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients (Part 1)

Now, stir in the granulated sugar. Next, add the baking soda and salt. Mix them gently into the banana mixture. Don’t overdo it here; just combine.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients (Part 2)

Gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mix it in just until you no longer see streaks of dry flour. It’s super important not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, and we want tender!

Step 6: Fold in Walnuts

Gently fold in your chopped walnuts. Be delicate! This distributes them evenly throughout the batter for that classic walnut banana bread crunch.

Step 7: Pour and Spread

Pour your delicious batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure the top is relatively smooth for a nice finish.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50 to 65 minutes. How long it bakes can change based on your oven and how ripe your bananas were. We’re looking for a clean toothpick test. Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your quick bread is ready!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the loaf pan from the oven. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently remove the loaf from the pan. Allow it to cool completely on the rack before slicing. This step is crucial for the bread to set properly.

How to Store Walnut Banana Bread

Proper storage keeps your delicious walnut banana bread fresh. Store cooled banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate slices for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. It keeps well frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter.