Banana Nut bread recipe

Name: Banana Nut bread recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (use 1½ for 2 people; double for 8); 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup chopped walnuts (reduce for 2 servings; double for larger batches)

Ever stare at a bunch of overripe bananas and wonder what to do with them before they go to waste? This banana nut bread recipe turns those soft, spotty bananas into a warm, comforting loaf that makes the whole kitchen smell like home. It’s tender, slightly sweet, and filled with crunchy nuts in every slice. I like to mix it up in one bowl while the oven preheats, especially on quiet evenings or chilly weekends. Made for 4 people, this loaf is just the right size for sharing at breakfast, packing into lunchboxes, or enjoying with coffee after dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Need something homemade that feels special but doesn’t take all afternoon? This banana nut bread recipe is simple, cozy, and very forgiving, even if you’re not a regular baker. The bananas keep it soft and moist, while the nuts add a little crunch that makes each bite more satisfying.
Trying to stretch ingredients you already have at home? This loaf uses basic pantry staples and overripe bananas that might otherwise be tossed. It’s weeknight-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for make-ahead planning. You can bake it once and enjoy it for a few days, which makes it great for a small family of four. It also doubles easily if you’re baking for more people, so it’s crowd-pleasing without being complicated.

Ingredients

3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (for 2 people use 1½ bananas; double for 8 people)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Worried about lumpy batter? Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Not sure how to combine everything without overmixing? Stir melted butter into the mashed bananas, then add sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix gently until the batter looks glossy and evenly blended.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Concerned about dry spots of flour? Sprinkle flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Fold slowly with a spatula just until no streaks remain. Gently stir in the chopped walnuts so they’re spread throughout the batter.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Unsure when it’s fully baked? Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. For a half batch serving 2, check around 40 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Need a bake-and-forget option that doesn’t require constant checking? Once the batter is mixed, the oven does most of the work. You can prepare it in under 15 minutes, then focus on other tasks while it bakes. The loaf keeps well for days, so one baking session covers snacks and breakfasts for your family of four without extra effort.

Tips & Tricks

Wondering why your bread turns out dense? Avoid overmixing once the flour is added, since that can make the loaf heavy. If making a smaller loaf for 2 people, mix even more gently because smaller batches can thicken quickly.
Frustrated when the nuts sink to the bottom? Lightly toss the chopped walnuts in a spoonful of flour before folding them in. If doubling the recipe for more than 4 people, coat all the nuts the same way to keep them evenly spread.
Not sure how ripe is ripe enough? Bananas should be very soft with dark spots. If baking for 2 and using fewer bananas, make sure they are extra ripe to keep the loaf moist and flavorful.
Worried about burning the top? If the loaf browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes. When baking multiple loaves for a larger group, rotate the pans halfway through for even baking.

Variations

Meaty version
Looking to add a savory twist for brunch? Stir in ½ cup of finely chopped cooked turkey bacon along with the walnuts for a sweet and salty flavor. For 2 servings, use about ¼ cup. If doubling the recipe, double the mix-ins to keep the balance.

Vegetarian option
Trying to keep it fully plant-based? Replace the butter with melted coconut oil and use a plant-based egg substitute that equals two eggs. Keep the same measurements for 4 servings, or simply halve everything for a smaller 2-person loaf.

Ingredient swap
Out of walnuts but still want that crunch? Use chopped pecans or even sunflower seeds in the same amount. When baking for more than 4 people, increase the swap ingredient evenly so each slice still has texture.

Flavor or herb boost
Want a little extra warmth? Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If making multiple loaves for a gathering, increase the spices slightly but taste the batter to keep the flavor balanced.

Serving Suggestions

Warm Breakfast Slices
Looking for a cozy morning idea? Serve thick slices slightly warm with a small spread of butter. For a household of 2, slice and freeze half for later. For larger groups, bake two loaves so everyone gets a generous piece.
Afternoon Snack Plate
Need something simple with coffee or tea? Pair slices with fresh fruit and a spoonful of yogurt. One loaf serves 4 comfortably, but you can double the banana nut bread recipe if hosting friends.
Light Dessert Option
Want an easy dessert without extra baking? Top a slice with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey. If serving more than 4 people, prepare extra toppings along with an additional loaf.
Lunchbox Treat
Trying to pack something homemade? Wrap individual slices in parchment for easy grab-and-go snacks. For 2 people, store smaller portions separately. For bigger families, pre-slice the whole doubled batch at once.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Worried about keeping it fresh? Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays moist in the fridge for up to 5 days. For 2 servings, wrap half the loaf separately to avoid repeated opening.
Reheating
Want that fresh-from-the-oven feel again? Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. If reheating a full loaf for more than 4 people, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying.
Freezing
Thinking about baking ahead? Slice the cooled loaf and freeze pieces in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. For small households, freeze in pairs of slices. For larger batches, label each loaf so you know the date.
Make-ahead tips
Short on time during the week? Mix the dry ingredients in advance and store in a sealed container. When ready to bake, just mash the bananas and add the wet ingredients. For bigger gatherings, prepare double batter and bake in separate pans.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:55 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 25 minutes

Nutrition Information

Curious about what’s in each slice? Each serving (¼ of the loaf) contains about 280–340 calories and 5–7 grams of protein. It also provides potassium from bananas and small amounts of iron from flour and nuts. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, bake it a day before and store tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge.

It may have been underbaked or the oven door was opened too early.

Yes, you can slightly lower the sugar, especially if your bananas are very ripe.

Too much flour or not enough ripe banana can cause dryness.

Conclusion

Wondering if it’s worth turning those ripe bananas into something homemade? This banana nut bread recipe is simple, comforting, and easy to adjust for your family of four. You can keep it classic, add your own twist, or double it for sharing. Once you bake it and slice into that soft, nutty crumb, it quickly becomes a go-to treat. Save it for later, bake it on a quiet evening, and enjoy how something so simple can make your kitchen feel a little warmer.