Banana Nut Bread – Moist, Classic & Easy 9-Ingredient One-Bowl Bake

There’s something so comforting about the smell of banana nut bread wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s a rainy Sunday, a lazy morning, or a “use-those-bananas-now” kind of moment—this is the recipe I always turn to.

Made with simple pantry staples and speckled with toasted nuts, this bread is rich, moist, and beautifully golden. It’s the perfect cross between a cozy breakfast loaf and a satisfying dessert, and it gets better with every bite.

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Overview of Banana Nut Bread Recipe Content

What It Is

This is your go-to banana bread recipe: sweet, tender, and loaded with banana flavor and crunch from optional walnuts or pecans. All mixed in one bowl—no mixer required.

Why You’ll Love It

• 🍌 Incredibly Moist & Flavorful
• 🥣 One-Bowl, No-Fuss Method
• 🌰 Crunchy Walnuts or Pecans for Texture
• 🧈 Buttery, Sweet & Perfect for Any Time of Day

Taste & Texture

The loaf is soft and moist on the inside, with golden, slightly crisp edges. It’s sweet, but not cloying, with just enough crunch from the nuts.

Ingredients

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• 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 to 1½ cups)
• ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Fork or whisk
• Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5)
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions

• Lower sugar? Use ¾ cup instead of 1 cup
• Make it whole grain: Use half whole wheat flour
• Add-ins: Try mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a swirl of peanut butter
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter

How to Make Banana Nut Bread

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1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in baking soda and salt, then stir in flour until just combined.
5. Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
6. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

What to Serve With Banana Nut Bread

• A hot cup of coffee or chai
• A smear of cream cheese, almond butter, or Nutella
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
• Fresh berries and yogurt for breakfast

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use overripe bananas—the browner, the better
• Don’t overmix the batter; it’ll make the loaf dense
• Use parchment paper to easily lift the bread out of the pan
• Cool completely before slicing for clean, even cuts

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Wrapped tightly, it keeps 3–4 days
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week—just slice and toast!
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for breakfast meal prep!

General Information

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Banana bread as we know it became popular in the 1930s during the Great Depression—when waste-not-want-not baking was essential. Today, it’s a nostalgic comfort food beloved in kitchens around the world, and this version stays true to that spirit: simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Bake in a lined muffin tin for 18–22 minutes.

Is this recipe too sweet?
Not at all. But feel free to reduce sugar to ¾ cup for a less-sweet loaf.

Conclusion

This Banana Nut Bread is everything a classic loaf should be: easy, moist, golden, and full of sweet banana flavor. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, it’s the kind of comfort that never goes out of style.

More golden bakes to love:

• Almond Flour Apple Cake
• Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Greek Yogurt Cake
• Date & Walnut Cookies
• Almond Flour Scones

Interactive Elements

Baked it? Snap a pic and tag me on Pinterest @poulefrecipe—I’d love to see your golden slices!

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (approx., 10 slices)
Calories	210
Fat	9g
Carbs	30g
Sugar	18g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

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