The Best Banana Walnut Bread Recipe for Cozy Baking Days

When banana walnut bread calls, comfort comes rushing in with its warm, inviting aroma.

Soft, moist textures promise a delightful culinary experience that revamps simple ingredients into something magical.

Rich with nutty undertones and sweet caramelized notes, this classic treat speaks to our deepest cravings for homemade goodness.

Bakers love how effortlessly these ingredients blend into a delectable creation that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Versatile enough for breakfast or an afternoon snack, banana walnut bread represents pure kitchen alchemy.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla dance beneath the primary flavors, creating a symphony of taste that enchants every bite.

Home kitchens revamp into sanctuaries of deliciousness with this timeless recipe.

Banana Walnut Bread with Toasty Depth

• Savor Comforting Homemade Flavors: This banana walnut bread delivers a warm, nostalgic taste that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen, blending sweet ripe bananas with crunchy toasted walnuts for an irresistible flavor combination.
• Enjoy Effortless Baking Experience: The recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create a delicious treat without complicated steps or professional techniques.
• Celebrate Versatile Snacking Potential: This bread works wonderfully as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or dessert, offering rich nutrition from bananas and protein-packed walnuts while satisfying sweet cravings with minimal preparation time.
• Embrace Quick Meal Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 60-70 minutes of baking, you can transform overripe bananas into a delectable bread that fills your home with an inviting aroma and provides a wholesome homemade treat.

What Goes Into Banana Walnut Bread

• Ripe Bananas: Ultra-sweet and soft bananas perfect for a moist banana bread texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Softened Butter: Brings richness and helps create a smooth batter.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental base for the bread's structure.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the bread.

• Walnuts: Toasted nuts add crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
• Raisins: Contribute natural sweetness and chewy texture.
• Rum: Optional ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

How to Bake Banana Walnut Bread Just Right

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab ripe bananas and crush them thoroughly using a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Create the Sugar Base

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Softened butter

Use an electric mixer to whip the ingredients until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk

Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Banana and Sugar Mixtures

Pour the sugar mixture into the mashed bananas and stir until smooth.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 7: Create the Bread Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 8: Add Extra Goodies

• Raisins
• Rum
• Toasted walnuts

Step 9: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Texture and Moisture

• Select Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with deep brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
• Prevent Sinking Nuts: Lightly coat walnuts in flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from falling to the bottom of the bread.
• Test for Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at an angle into the center of the bread and look for just a few moist crumbs for the perfect moisture level.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir dry ingredients gently until just combined to ensure a tender, light texture and prevent tough bread.
• Create Intense Flavor Boost: Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to intensify their nutty taste and add depth to the bread.

Storage Advice for Banana Walnut Bread

• Refrigeration: Wrap the banana walnut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and preserve its soft texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Brush with a little melted butter before reheating to restore moisture and enhance flavor.

Spreads and Drinks That Go Well with Banana Walnut Bread

• Savor Coffee Companionship: Pair this warmly spiced banana walnut bread with a smooth medium roast coffee, letting the rich nutty flavors complement the bread's sweet undertones. The coffee's subtle bitterness balances the bread's natural sweetness perfectly.
• Enhance with Creamy Spread: Slather a thick layer of salted butter or cream cheese on a warm slice to elevate the bread's moistness and add a luxurious tangy dimension. The cool, creamy texture creates a delightful contrast with the bread's warm, dense crumb.
• Create Dessert Wine Magic: Match this bread with a glass of tawny port or a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes. The wine's caramel and dried fruit notes harmonize beautifully with the banana and walnut profile, turning a simple slice into an elegant dessert experience.
• Craft Tea Time Pleasure: Brew a cup of chai or earl grey tea to accompany the bread. The spicy, aromatic tea cuts through the bread's richness while adding depth to each delectable bite.

Extra Flavor Ideas for Banana Walnut Bread

• Tropical Banana Bread: Replace raisins with shredded coconut and add chopped macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired version with rich, exotic flavor.
• Chocolate Chunk Banana Walnut: Mix in dark chocolate chunks instead of raisins, creating decadent pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bread.
• Spiced Autumn Banana Bread: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom into the dry ingredients, giving the bread a warm, cozy seasonal profile that highlights the banana and walnut combination.
• Gluten-Free Banana Nut Loaf: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add almond flour for extra moisture and nutty undertones, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic recipe.

Banana Walnut Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Banana Walnut Bread delivers comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, blending ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts into a moist, golden loaf. Warm slices promise pure delight with each rich, nutty bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Sweeteners:

• 3 ripe bananas
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110 grams) brown sugar
• ½ cup (75 grams) raisins

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ tablespoons (22 milliliters) milk
• 1 ½ tablespoons (22 milliliters) rum

Dry Ingredients and Nuts:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (60 grams) walnuts, toasted and chopped

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×5 inch (23×13 centimeters) loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Use a fork to thoroughly mash ripe bananas into a smooth, chunky consistency in a medium mixing bowl.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate eggs and whole milk into the sugar mixture, blending until fully integrated.
5. Gently fold the egg and sugar combination into the mashed banana mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
6. In a third bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
7. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
8. Carefully fold in golden raisins, dark rum, and toasted chopped walnuts, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the batter.
9. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a wooden toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
11. Remove from oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
12. Carefully transfer the banana walnut bread to a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Perfectly ripened bananas are the secret to achieving a moist and flavorful banana walnut bread, so choose overripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness.
• Toasting walnuts before adding them to the batter enhances their nutty flavor and provides a delightful crunch, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Mixing dry and wet ingredients separately ensures even distribution and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough, dense bread texture.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother blending and better incorporation into the batter, resulting in a more uniform consistency.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and help the flavors settle, making each slice more enjoyable and easier to handle.
• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation and quick breakfast or snack options.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg