How to Make Banana Nut Bread: The Best 5-Step Recipe for Moist Perfection

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour , and you’re good to go.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?

Totally! You can cut it down to ¾ cup if you prefer a less sweet bread.

Banana Nut Bread: A Recipe That Feels Like a Hug. Let me tell you a little secret—banana nut bread isn’t just a recipe. It’s a feeling. It’s Sunday mornings with a warm slice, butter melting into the cracks. It’s the smell of nostalgia wafting through your kitchen. And it’s also the perfect excuse to use those overripe bananas you swore you’d eat last week.

This banana nut bread recipe is straight from my childhood, inspired by my mom and grandma, who somehow made baking look effortless (spoiler: it wasn’t). After years of tweaking, testing, and sneaking in extra pecans when no one was looking, I finally nailed it. And trust me, this is the banana nut bread recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

So, grab those bananas, and let’s make some magic.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Nut Bread

✔️ Ridiculously easy – If you can stir, you can bake this. No fancy techniques required!
✔️ Super moist – The bananas, butter, and just the right amount of milk make sure of that.
✔️ Customizable – Love walnuts? Toss ‘em in. Prefer pecans? Go for it. Want to add chocolate chips? Say no more.
✔️ Perfect for any time of day – Breakfast? Yes. Afternoon snack? Absolutely. Midnight treat? You know it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive in, here’s everything you’ll need:

½ cup butter (or margarine) – Because everything’s better with butter.
3 ripe bananas – The riper, the better. Think brown spots, almost mushy.
1¼ cups sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness.
¼ cup milk – For that extra moisture.
2 eggs, beaten – They help bind everything together.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
2 cups flour – The base of all great banana breads.
½ tsp salt & ½ tsp baking soda – The secret behind a perfect rise.
½-1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – But highly recommended!

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Banana Nut Bread

1️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This part is important—it helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

2️⃣ Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla, eggs, smashed bananas, and milk. It’s going to look a little lumpy, and that’s totally fine. Banana bread is all about embracing imperfections!

3️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Slowly add it to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. (Overmixing = tough banana bread, and we don’t want that!)

4️⃣ Fold in the Nuts

If you’re using pecans or walnuts, gently fold them into the batter. This is where you can also throw in some chocolate chips, if you’re feeling fancy.

5️⃣ Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6️⃣ Let It Cool… If You Can Resist!

Once baked, let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. But let’s be real—who actually waits before slicing into warm banana bread?

Tips for the Best Banana Nut Bread

✅ Use overripe bananas. The spottier, the better. They add natural sweetness and moisture.
✅ Don’t overmix. Stir until the ingredients just come together. Overmixing = dry bread.
✅ Want an extra crunch? Toast the nuts before adding them to the batter. Game-changer!
✅ For a bakery-style touch, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking.

📖👇RECIPE 👇📖

FAQs About Banana Nut Bread

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, and you’re good to go.

How should I store banana nut bread?

Keep it wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just slice and wrap it individually for easy grab-and-go treats.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Totally! You can cut it down to ¾ cup if you prefer a less sweet bread.

Final Thoughts—Let’s Get Baking!

And there you have it—the best banana nut bread that’s easy, foolproof, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a snack, or just because you need to use up those bananas, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Now go preheat that oven and let your kitchen smell like pure happiness. And if you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Looking for more cozy Grandma’s way bakes? Check out sister Grandma’s Banana Nut Bread

How to Make Banana Nut Bread Like Grandma Used to—Moist, Sweet & Perfect Every Time!