Classic Banana Bread With Walnuts

Name: Classic Banana Bread With Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Highlighted under: Sweet Moments

I absolutely love baking banana bread, and this classic version with walnuts is my go-to recipe. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is unbeatable, and it brings back such great memories of family gatherings. We often have ripe bananas sitting around, and this recipe is a perfect way to use them up. The combination of sweet, overripe bananas and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home too!

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-08T04:41:36.155Z

As I experimented with different banana bread recipes, I found that the key to a moist loaf is using overly ripe bananas. The sugars in the bananas intensify as they ripen, resulting in a richer flavor. I also decided to incorporate walnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the softness of the banana.

This banana bread tends to disappear quickly in my house, so I often make two loaves at a time. One for enjoying fresh, and the other for freezing to savor later. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack!

Why You Will Love This Banana Bread
The rich flavor of ripe bananas combined with crunchy walnuts
An easy recipe that anyone can master
Perfectly moist and fluffy texture every time

Understanding Key Ingredients

The star of this banana bread recipe is undeniably the ripe bananas. Overripe bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also impart moisture that keeps the bread tender and delightful. Choosing bananas that have plenty of brown spots ensures the best flavor and sweetness. If you find yourself short on ripe bananas, you can quicken the process by baking unripe bananas in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes until they're soft and darkened.

Another crucial element is the melted butter. It adds richness and contributes to the bread's moist texture. Always let the butter cool slightly before mixing it with the bananas to avoid cooking the egg. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half the butter with applesauce, which still yields a moist loaf while reducing the fat content.

Baking Techniques for Success

When mixing the ingredients, be cautious not to overmix the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to dense, gummy bread due to the development of gluten. Instead, mix until just combined; some lumps are perfectly fine. The goal is to have a light, airy batter that will rise beautifully in the oven. A good way to gauge doneness is to check for a golden brown top and a toothpick that comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

The choice of loaf pan can influence cooking time and browning. A dark or non-stick pan may cook faster, while a glass or light-colored pan might need additional time. Always start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark, as each oven bakes differently. If you see the edges browning too quickly, you can tent the top with foil for the latter part of the baking time.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.

Mix in the Ingredients

Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add baking soda and salt, and mix well. Then stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, mix in the flour until just combined.

Add the Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts gently into the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture.

Storage Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Ensure it’s completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice any time by simply thawing it on the counter or warming it briefly in the microwave.

If you're planning to make the bread ahead of time, consider making the batter and pouring it into the greased loaf pan, then covering it tightly and refrigerating overnight. This method allows the flavors to deepen, and you can simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes of baking time to account for the chilled batter.

Delicious Variations

While this classic banana bread with walnuts is delightful as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it. For a chocolate twist, fold in half a cup of dark chocolate chips before baking. Alternatively, you can replace the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the taste, perfect for cozy baking days.

If you want to incorporate some additional nutrition, consider adding a handful of oats or chia seeds to the batter. Just be mindful of the moisture level; you might need to adjust the flour slightly if you add a significant amount of dry ingredients. These variations not only make the bread unique but also cater to different tastes and preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work well! Thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How can I make this banana bread vegan?

You can substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add other nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add chocolate chips for a sweeter touch.