Banana Nut Bread

This banana nut bread recipe is a quick bread that tastes like a nut bread with a hint of banana. It’s a light, banana-flavored version of traditional nut bread and so easy to make at home.

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I love banana bread, but what if you’re looking for one that’s lightly flavored? This quick bread is exactly that! Plus, since it’s not too sweet, it can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day just like my grandma’s traditional nut bread.

Love quick bread recipes? Then I highly recommend trying my homemade carrot bread, pumpkin walnut bread, and this delicious apricot bread which is the easiest recipe ever!

This recipe comes from my mom’s handwritten recipe book has been much loved and is used quite a lot in our home as evidenced by the batter smudges. I make a baked banana recipe when I want to use up bananas that are getting too brown.

Why I Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is a quick bread, so you don’t need any bread-making skills or yeast. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that anyone can master.
Family Favorite: This recipe makes a moist and flavorful banana nut bread that my family absolutely loves. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
Great for Breakfast: The bread is not overly sweet, making it a perfect breakfast option. It’s delicious, toasted with a bit of butter.
Freezer-Friendly: This banana nut bread freezes beautifully. I like to make a few loaves, slice them, and then freeze the slices for quick and easy breakfasts. Just pop a slice in the toaster to reheat, and you’re good to go!

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Key Ingredients

Butter: I like using butter because of its simple ingredients and depth of flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the banana bread and helps to give it a golden brown color when it bakes.
Eggs: The eggs act as a binder in this recipe, holding all the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract: It adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the banana bread.
Ripe Bananas: Mash up about three large bananas to get to 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. The riper, the better, as they will be sweeter and easier to mash.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the banana bread, giving it structure.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – This recipe calls for a combo of baking powder and soda – make sure you’re paying attention to the amounts to measure for each.
Salt: It enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
Milk: It’ll help make the bread moist, rich, and get the batter to the right consistency.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: I always have walnuts on hand, but pecans are equally delicious in this recipe. They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

Equipment

Loose-Bottom Loaf Pan – This is essential for baking the banana nut bread. It makes it easy to remove the bread without it getting stuck in the pan.
Electric Mixer – You’ll need this to beat together the butter and sugar and to blend in the eggs. It makes the process much easier and ensures a smooth, fluffy texture.
Wire Rack – After baking, you’ll need a wire rack to cool the banana bread. This allows air to circulate around the bread, preventing it from becoming soggy.

How to Make Banana Nut Bread

Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚ F and greasing the bottom of a loaf pan. This will make sure your banana nut bread doesn’t stick to the pan and bakes evenly.

Step 1 – Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Beat the butter and sugar together until they are fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, and stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla. This will be the base of your banana nut bread.

Step 2 – Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help to remove any lumps and make sure your dry ingredients are well combined.

wet and dry ingredients combined in bowl

Step 3 – Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Blend the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir in the nuts. This will form the batter for your banana nut bread.

Step 4 – Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and put it in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will make sure your banana nut bread is cooked all the way through.

Step 5 – Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool on a wire rack. Once it’s completely cooled, slice and serve. Your delicious, homemade banana nut bread is ready to enjoy.

Expert Tip

To make it super easy to remove the banana bread from the pan, cut out a piece of parchment paper and layer the spread butter on the bottom of the bread pan. This simple step will guarantee that your banana nut bread comes out of the pan effortlessly, leaving you with a perfect loaf every time.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a deliciously sweet twist.
Extra Nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to add an extra 1/2 cup to the recipe for a more intense nutty flavor and extra crunch.
Spices: Enhance the flavor of your banana nut bread by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon and a 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Brown Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top of the batter before baking. Delicious!

What to Serve With

For a delicious breakfast treat, serve your banana nut bread with a generous spread of creamy butter or a dollop of homemade jam. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a satisfying start to your day.
If you’re hosting a brunch, slice the banana nut bread and arrange it on a platter with fresh fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries. The sweet, nutty flavor of the bread pairs perfectly with the tartness of the fruit.
For a simple afternoon snack, enjoy a slice of this bread on its own or with a light dust of powdered sugar. It’s also great with a side of vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can. While this recipe calls for pecans or walnuts, feel free to use any other type of nut you prefer. Almonds or hazelnuts would work well in this recipe.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the bread is fully baked. It usually takes about 60-70 minutes in a 350˚ F oven, but it’s a good idea to start checking around the 60-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

How do I avoid over-browning the top of the bread?

During the baking process, add foil to the top of the baking pan if you feel like the top is getting too dark.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: After your banana nut bread has completely cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it into individual portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat.
Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen banana nut bread, simply let it thaw at room temperature. This should take about 1-2 hours.
Reheat: Want to enjoy your banana nut bread warm? Pop it in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat it as this can dry out the bread.

Serving Size

What to Expect: This banana nut bread recipe yields one 9×5-inch loaf, enough for about 10 slices of delicious bread.
How to Scale: If you want to make more than one loaf, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Just make sure your mixing bowl and loaf pan are large enough to accommodate the increased quantity.

Banana Nut Bread

Why I Love This Recipe

Key Ingredients

Equipment