Banana Nut Bread Recipe – Moist Quick Bread with Walnuts & Pecans

Loaf of banana nut bread with walnuts and pecans

This banana nut bread is a classic comfort quick bread—moist, sweet, and packed with flavor from very ripe bananas. Walnuts and pecans add crunch, and a little applesauce helps keep the loaf tender.

Bake it low and steady at 325°F for a beautifully browned top and a sliceable loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing.

🍌 Banana Nut Bread

An incredibly moist, dual-sugar quick bread loaded with six ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and pecans, with a touch of applesauce for the perfect crumb.

⏱️ Bake Time: ~1 Hour 🍽️ Yield: 8–10 servings 🍳 Equipment: Loaf Pan

Ingredients

The Banana & Nut Base:

  • 6 very ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons applesauce
  • 3 eggs

Creaming & Dry Goods:

  • 1 1/4 sticks butter (or margarine)
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Baking Instructions

🌡️ Oven Temp: 325°F

  1. Grease and lightly flour your loaf pan to prepare it.
  2. Cream the butter (or margarine) thoroughly with both the white sugar and the light brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add the bananas, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, applesauce, and eggs to the bowl. Mix thoroughly so that the bananas become well mashed and everything is completely integrated.
  4. In a separate, small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and baking powder together until fully unified.
  5. Add this dry mixture to the wet banana mixture slowly, stirring constantly with a fork. Do not beat the batter, or the bread may become dense and fail to rise properly.
  6. Pour the finished batter cleanly into your prepared loaf pan and bake at 325°F for approximately 1 hour.
  7. Allow the loaf to cool slightly in the pan, then carefully turn it out. Serving tip: This bread is best enjoyed warm with a spread of real butter!

Banana Nut Bread FAQ

How ripe should bananas be for banana nut bread?

Very ripe bananas work best. Look for bananas with brown spots or mostly brown peels. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Can I substitute different nuts?

Yes. Walnuts and pecans are classic, but you can use almonds, hazelnuts, or omit nuts entirely if preferred.

Why is my banana nut bread dense?

Dense banana nut bread is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Stir gently just until combined to keep the loaf light and tender.

How should banana nut bread be stored?

Store banana nut bread wrapped tightly or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can I add extras like chocolate chips or raisins?

Absolutely. Chocolate chips, raisins, or dried fruit can be folded into the batter for added flavor and texture.

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