Banana Nut Bread Loaf

Banana Nut Bread Loaf is a classic baked good that blends the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, earthy crunch of chopped walnuts. Moist, tender, and topped optionally with a glossy chocolate glaze, this loaf is the perfect comfort food for breakfast, tea, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious use of overripe bananas
• Moist and flavorful with a satisfying texture
• Easy to make with common pantry staples
• Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert
• Customizable with mix-ins like chocolate or spices
• Freezer-friendly for long-term storage
• Naturally comforting and satisfying
• No mixer required
• Great for gift-giving or gatherings
• Tastes even better the next day

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ripe bananas (mashed)
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Butter or oil (melted)
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon (optional)
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped walnuts
• Semi-sweet chocolate (for glaze, optional)
• Heavy cream (for glaze, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Whisk in eggs, sugars, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. If using glaze, melt chocolate and cream together and drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 standard loaf (about 8–10 slices).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Version: Replace or combine walnuts with chocolate chips.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add nutmeg or cloves along with cinnamon.
• Healthy Option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and plant-based oil or butter.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

What type of bananas should I use?

Overripe bananas with brown spots are best—they’re sweeter and mash easily.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.

Can I omit the nuts?

Yes, the bread will still be moist and flavorful without them.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

It may be underbaked or the batter was overmixed, causing it to collapse.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, raisins, chocolate chips, or dried fruit work well.

How can I make this bread extra moist?

Use very ripe bananas and do not overbake. Adding a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream can help.

Can I make banana bread into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The bread is delicious on its own.

How do I know when banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

What can I use instead of butter?

Vegetable oil, coconut oil, or melted plant-based butter are all good substitutes.

Conclusion

Banana Nut Bread Loaf is a timeless recipe that offers both comfort and delicious flavor in every slice. Moist, tender, and filled with warm banana and nutty notes, this loaf is easy to make and perfect for any time of day. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed as a make-ahead treat, it’s a delightful way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy a sweet craving.

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