Classic Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
Dry Ingredients
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
*Walnuts Optional. I used 1/2 cup
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 355°F.
2. Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Or split it into two loafs.
3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
4. Add eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined (do not overmix).
7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pans.
8. Bake at 355°F for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool before slicing.
I’ve found that using very ripe bananas enhances the natural sweetness and moisture of banana nut bread significantly. When baking this classic recipe, I like to ensure the bananas are speckled with brown spots for the best flavor and texture. Adding walnuts brings a satisfying crunch and rich, nutty undertone that complements the soft bread beautifully. If you prefer, you can lightly toast the walnuts before mixing them in to deepen their flavor. A tip I always follow is to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing which can lead to a dense and tough loaf. The combination of baking soda and baking powder helps the bread rise nicely and gives it a tender crumb. The warmth of cinnamon throughout the loaf adds a cozy aroma and subtle spice, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For baking, I like preheating the oven to 355°F as suggested; however, if you notice the bread browning too quickly, covering it loosely with foil halfway through baking can prevent over-browning while ensuring it's cooked through. Finally, letting the banana nut bread cool completely before slicing allows it to set properly and makes cutting easier without crumbling. This recipe is so versatile—you can customize it by adding chocolate chips, substituting walnuts with pecans, or even swirling in some peanut butter for a different twist. Overall, this classic banana nut bread recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet delicious enough to impress family and friends.