The perfect Banana Nut Bread. This loaf stays moist throughout and bakes evenly. It’s ideal for breakfast or brunch, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and complemented by crunchy pecans for a rich, nutty flavor. This recipe is simple, reliable, and sure to become a family favorite.
Banana nut bread is one of my go-to recipes whenever bananas start to turn brown. Overripe bananas give the loaf extra moisture and pronounced banana flavor, so it’s the perfect way to use them up. The combination of banana and pecans makes a comforting loaf that’s great warm with butter or sliced for snacks throughout the week.
How to Make Banana Nut Bread
This banana nut bread is straightforward and dependable. It yields a tender, moist crumb and a golden crust. Follow these directions for a classic loaf that freezes well and travels nicely for potlucks or school lunches.
Ingredient Notes
- Bananas – Use 3 ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Butter – Melted butter adds richness; you can substitute an equal amount of neutral oil if preferred.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar is called for here for a balanced sweetness.
- Egg – One large egg to bind the batter.
- Vanilla extract – A teaspoon to deepen the flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the loaf.
- Baking soda – Leavens the bread and helps it rise.
- Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Pecans – Crushed pecans add texture and a nutty note; walnuts work well as a substitute.
Directions
Step One: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray or grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
Step Two: Peel and mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the mashed bananas with 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until blended.
Step Three: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Step Four: Fold in about 1 cup of crushed pecans, reserving a few for the top if you like a decorative finish.
Step Five: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely or slice warm.
How Long to Leave the Bread in the Pan
Let the loaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes after baking. This brief cooling period makes it easier to remove the bread without breaking it. Using a light non-stick spray or greasing the pan well helps the loaf release cleanly.
How to Tell When Banana Bread Is Done
Start checking the bread around 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bread is done. If batter clings to the toothpick, return the loaf to the oven and check in 5-minute increments.
Can You Use a Different Nut?
Pecans give this loaf its signature nuttiness, but walnuts are an excellent substitute. You can also omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version or add chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
How Ripe Should the Bananas Be?
Bananas for banana bread should be very ripe—spotted or mostly brown. Overripe bananas are softer, sweeter, and provide more banana flavor and moisture, which results in a more flavorful, tender loaf.
Banana Nut Bread
This classic banana nut bread recipe makes about 8 slices and takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare and around an hour to bake. It stores well at room temperature for a couple of days when wrapped, or it freezes nicely for longer storage. Serve slices warm with butter or enjoy at room temperature with coffee.
Nutrition (per slice)
- Serving: 1 slice
- Calories: 346 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 17 g (Saturated fat: 6 g, Trans fat: 1 g)
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 26 g
If you make this banana nut bread, tag your photos or save the recipe for later. Enjoy baking and sharing this comforting loaf with family and friends.