This Easy Moist Banana Nut Bread is a warm hug in a loaf! Made with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of baking bananas? It’s my go-to for using up overripe bananas. Just mix, pour, and bake—so easy!
Whenever I make this, I always end up having a slice (or two!) warm out of the oven. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your base. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I used regular flour here and it worked perfectly!
Baking soda: It helps the bread rise and become fluffy. If you’re out, you can substitute with baking powder, but use about 3 times the amount.
Unsalted butter: I always prefer unsalted for better control over sweetness. For a dairy-free option, swap it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
Ripe bananas: The more spots they have, the better! If you’re short on ripe bananas, you can mash some frozen ones (thaw them first) or substitute with applesauce in a pinch.
Sour cream or yogurt: They add moisture; Greek yogurt works great too! For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt.
Walnuts: They add crunch and flavor. If you’re allergic, you can use pecans or sunflower seeds. I absolutely love toasting the walnuts lightly for an extra depth of flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread is Moist and Perfect?
Getting that perfect moist texture can be tricky, but here are some simple tips:
- Use overripe bananas; they are sweeter and more flavorful.
- Avoid overmixing the batter. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
With these tips in mind, your banana bread will turn out deliciously moist every time!
Easy Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (toast if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Moist Banana Nut Bread will take about 15 minutes to prep and 60-70 minutes to bake. Once it’s baked, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, with most of that being baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential as it ensures your bread bakes evenly and beautifully.
2. Prepare the Pan:
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will help your banana bread come out cleanly when it’s done baking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside as you work on the wet ingredients.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a larger bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the mixture, which helps the bread rise.
5. Add Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate them evenly into the mixture. Love those fresh eggs!
6. Combine the Bananas and Dairy:
Stir in the mashed ripe bananas, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You want to see those lovely banana bits mixed throughout.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Mixes:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold it in using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
8. Incorporate the Walnuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed. If you’d like, save a few to sprinkle on top for added texture!
9. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula, then sprinkle those reserved walnuts on top for extra crunch.
10. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
11. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let your banana nut bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it moist.
Enjoy your homemade moist banana nut bread! It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
FAQ for Easy Moist Banana Nut Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen bananas before mashing them. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in warm water for quicker thawing.
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Keep leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Walnuts?
If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t like walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans, chocolate chips, or even sunflower seeds for a crunch. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile slightly!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients (like baking powder) are also gluten-free to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free.
