Name: Banana Nut Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for topping, optional); (Optional) Caramel glaze for drizzling

Golden, nutty, and richly moist, Banana Nut Bread is the ultimate comfort loaf that never goes out of style. With its tender crumb and naturally sweet banana flavor, this classic bread pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or makes a cozy afternoon treat. A caramel glaze over the top makes it extra indulgent, hugging every crunchy pecan piece nestled in the crust.

What makes this banana bread unforgettable is the combination of ripe bananas and toasted nuts that creates a balance between soft and crunchy in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend brunch or sneaking slices for breakfast through the week, it’s one of those recipes that feels like home.

What Kind of Bananas Should I Use?

Always go for very ripe bananas with plenty of dark spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas mash easily and add intense banana flavor while keeping the crumb soft and moist. If you only have yellow bananas, a quick trick is to roast them in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes until the peels blacken and the flesh softens.

Ingredients for the Banana Nut Bread

Ripe Bananas – The soul of the recipe. They bring natural sweetness and moisture.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and body to the loaf.
Brown Sugar – Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness.
Butter – For richness and a tender crumb.
Eggs – Help bind everything together and add fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the banana flavor.
Baking Soda – Gives the loaf a good rise.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Bring texture and toasty nut flavor.
Optional Caramel Glaze – Takes it from everyday to celebration-worthy.

How To Make the Banana Nut Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth and set aside. Chop your nuts (pecans or walnuts) and lightly toast them for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process adds air into the batter, giving the loaf a tender structure.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Banana

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the mashed bananas and a splash of vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 5: Fold in the Nuts

Gently stir in the chopped nuts, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top if desired. This ensures that each slice has a bite of crunch without overwhelming the banana flavor.

Step 6: Bake It

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Optional Glaze

For extra indulgence, drizzle a warm caramel glaze over the cooled loaf. Let it set before slicing so it doesn’t run off too much. This step turns your banana bread into a sweet showstopper.

How to Serve and Store Banana Nut Bread

Warm slices of Banana Nut Bread are a delight on their own, but you can elevate each serving with a smear of salted butter or a drizzle of honey. For breakfast, pair it with Greek yogurt and berries. As a dessert, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top of a toasted slice transforms it into something truly indulgent.

To store your loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually in freezer bags—perfect for grabbing one at a time. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What nuts work best for banana bread?

Pecans and walnuts are the most popular choices. Pecans give a buttery, soft crunch, while walnuts have a slightly bitter edge that contrasts nicely with the sweet banana.

Can I make this banana bread dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking so it hydrates properly.

Why is my banana bread dense or gummy?

This usually happens from overmixing or using too much banana. Mix until just combined and measure the mashed bananas accurately (about 1 cup).

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Fold in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chocolate chips for a dessert-like variation.

How do I know it’s done baking?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, it needs more time in the oven.

Want More Bread Recipes with a Cozy Twist?

If this Banana Nut Bread brought comfort to your kitchen, here are more delicious breads to explore:

Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread for warm spice and nutty richness.
Amish Applesauce Cake if you love tender loaves with a nostalgic feel.
Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for that sticky-sweet Southern vibe.
Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie if creamy and traditional is your kind of dessert.
Irresistible Super Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread for when you want bananas and chocolate.

These recipes carry the same homemade spirit and warmth that make Banana Nut Bread so loved.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy reference next time your bananas are turning brown.

And when you bake it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add extra nuts? Did the caramel glaze become your new favorite?

Leave a comment with your twist or ask a question—I’m all ears.

🌱 For more cozy bakes and daily treats, follow along on Pinterest at Life with Jam.