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 overripe bananas, mashed; 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Highlighted under: Traditional Family Comfort

I absolutely love making classic banana bread with walnuts when I have overripe bananas sitting on my kitchen counter. The warm aroma fills my home as it bakes, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to resist. This recipe is a family favorite and creates a lovely balance between the sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunchiness of walnuts. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the results are always outstanding. Trust me, this banana bread will quickly become your go-to snack or breakfast treat!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:13:36.578Z

When I first tried making banana bread, I was amazed by how simple it was to create something so delicious. The key is using very ripe bananas – they’re sweeter and mash easily, making the bread exceptionally moist. One tip I’ve learned is to combine the wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing them together, ensuring a uniform texture throughout the loaf.

Every time I make this recipe, I experiment a bit with the spices or add in more walnuts, depending on my mood. Each iteration brings out different notes in flavor, which keeps it exciting. It’s so satisfying to pull a warm loaf out of the oven and enjoy it straight away!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Moist and flavorful texture with every bite
Crunchy walnuts add a satisfying element
Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

Choosing the Right Bananas

When making banana bread, the ripeness of the bananas is crucial for achieving the desired flavor and moisture. Ideally, you want your bananas to be heavily speckled or completely brown, as this indicates a higher sugar content and richer taste. If you only have slightly ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

If you're in a pinch and need to use bananas that aren't as ripe as you'd like, consider roasting them. Place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until their skins darken. This method not only softens the bananas but also enhances their sweetness, making them suitable for your banana bread.

Perfecting Your Batter

To achieve a moist and fluffy texture in your banana bread, it's essential to avoid overmixing once you add the flour. The gluten in the flour develops as you mix, which can lead to a dense loaf if overdone. Mix until you just see the dry ingredients disappear into the wet ones, leaving a few lumps in the batter; this is a sign of a perfectly textured banana bread.

Additionally, let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes before pouring it into the loaf pan. This waiting period allows the flour to fully hydrate and can result in a slightly improved texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips or a swirl of peanut butter before baking to elevate the flavor profile without compromising the batter.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 overripe bananas, mashed
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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and ensure the walnuts are evenly distributed.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, blend the mashed bananas with the melted butter using a fork until well-combined. Stir in the baking soda and salt.

Combine Sugar and Egg

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is incorporated.

Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Fold in Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they're evenly distributed in the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Storing and Freezing Banana Bread

Once your banana bread has cooled entirely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you're not planning to consume it within this timeframe, consider freezing. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze banana bread for up to three months without sacrificing flavor or texture.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for several hours, or overnight in the fridge. For a warm treat, you can slice the bread and gently warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or toast individual slices if preferred.

Variations and Add-Ins

While this classic banana bread recipe is delightful as is, experimenting with various add-ins can bring a new twist to the flavor. Consider mixing in chocolate chips, dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. These additions can enhance your banana bread, making it even more special without compromising the basic recipe.

You can also play around with the nuts used. If walnuts aren't your favorite, feel free to substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Each nut will contribute its unique flavor and texture, keeping your banana bread interesting with every bake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option.

→ How do I know when my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it's done!

→ Can I add chocolate chips or other nuts?

Yes! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips, pecans, or even dried fruits.