There’s something truly magical about the aroma of banana bread filling the kitchen. It’s warm, nostalgic, and feels like a hug in the form of baked goodness. This Banana Loaf with Walnuts is an easy, foolproof recipe that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, softness, and crunch. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or with your favorite cup of tea, this loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

And guess what? It only requires simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort! So, let’s get baking.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Loaf with Walnuts

Moist and Flavorful The ripe bananas make this loaf incredibly soft and naturally sweet
Crunchy and Nutty The walnuts add the perfect amount of crunch, balancing the softness
Easy to Make Simple ingredients and just a few steps – no complicated techniques required
Perfect for Any Time of Day Great as a breakfast, snack, or even dessert

What Does This Banana Loaf Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a slice of warm, soft banana bread with little bursts of crunchy, toasty walnuts The banana flavor is rich but not overpowering, the texture is soft yet slightly dense, and the hint of vanilla adds a lovely warmth The sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas, making this loaf utterly irresistible

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
½ cup sugar (can be adjusted for sweetness preference)
¼ cup melted butter (for a rich, buttery flavor)
1 egg (for structure and moisture)
1 tsp vanilla extract (adds warmth and depth)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for structure)
1 tsp baking soda (helps the loaf rise)
¼ tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
½ cup chopped walnuts (adds crunch and nuttiness)

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk or fork (for mashing the bananas)
Spatula
Loaf pan (greased)
Oven (preheated to 175°C / 350°F)

Possible Additions & Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this banana loaf? Here are some ideas

Chocolate Chips Add ½ cup for a sweet, chocolatey twist
Cinnamon A teaspoon of cinnamon adds a warm, spiced flavor
Honey or Maple Syrup Swap sugar for a natural sweetener
Different Nuts Try pecans or almonds for a variation in texture and taste
Dairy-Free Option Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative

How to Make Banana Loaf with Walnuts

Preheat & Prep Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper
Mash the Bananas In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth
Mix Wet Ingredients Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas Mix well until fully combined
Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt
Mix Everything Together Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined Avoid overmixing!
Add Walnuts Fold in the chopped walnuts for that delightful crunch
Bake Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Cool & Serve Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing

What to Serve with Banana Loaf

A warm slice with a smear of butter or peanut butter
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist
A cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Loaf

Use Overripe Bananas The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be
Don’t Overmix Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the loaf soft and tender
Toast the Walnuts Lightly toast the walnuts before adding them for extra flavor
Check for Doneness Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, your loaf is ready!

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Refrigerator Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week
Freezer Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months Just thaw and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this banana loaf gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing

Can I make this without nuts?

Of course! Simply leave out the walnuts, and the loaf will still be delicious

How do I make this banana loaf extra moist?

Use very ripe bananas and avoid overbaking You can also add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra moisture

Conclusion

This Banana Loaf with Walnuts is everything you want in a homemade baked treat—moist, flavorful, and packed with nutty goodness It’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and makes a great addition to any breakfast table, snack time, or dessert menu

So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you make it, snap a picture and tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your delicious creation! Happy baking! 🍌💛

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this banana loaf, you’ll definitely want to try these amazing baked goods

Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake – A tangy, rich, and velvety pound cake that melts in your mouth
30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy, and packed with garlicky goodness
Sweet Southern Cornbread – A buttery and slightly sweet classic that pairs perfectly with any meal

Banana Loaf with Walnuts – A Classic, Moist, and Nutty Treat!

Author: Poulef
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Banana Loaf with Walnuts is moist, soft, and packed with nutty goodness! Made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness, while the walnuts bring a delightful crunch. Easy to make and impossible to resist!

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup sugar
¼ cup melted butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently.
Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ½ cup of chocolate chips.
Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness.
Store at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 40
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana loaf, banana bread, banana walnut bread, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, banana nut loaf

Best Banana Loaf with Walnuts – Moist & Easy Recipe (Only 8 Ingredients!)