If you have a soft spot for comforting, moist, and delightfully nutty treats, this Walnut Banana Bread Recipe will quickly become your go-to baking favorite. The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts creates a hearty loaf that’s perfectly sweet and wonderfully textured, making every slice a little moment of happiness. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy teatime, this classic recipe brings warmth and simple joy in every bite.

The image shows ingredients for baking carefully arranged on a white marbled surface. There are three whole yellow bananas on the left side. Below the bananas, a white plate holds four brown eggs. Near the eggs, there is a small white bowl with one raw egg yolk. To the right of the bananas are nine small bowls of various ingredients: one with light brown sugar and white sugar mixed, one with a square of pale yellow butter on a white plate, one with shelled walnuts, one with white flour in a greenish bowl, one with dark brown cinnamon powder, and two small bowls holding salt and some milk. All bowls are white except one wooden bowl holding walnuts. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is all it takes to whip up a homemade loaf that radiates flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role, from the sweetness and moisture the bananas and sugars provide to the rich nutty crunch from the walnuts, all tied together with the right balance of flour and eggs.

3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the bread tender.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for a soft yet sturdy loaf.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor.
¼ cup brown sugar: Contributes a caramel-like depth and moistness.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and ensures a tender crumb.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add protein for a perfect texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates all the flavors.
¾ cup chopped walnuts: Adds satisfying crunch and earthy nuttiness to each bite.

How to Make Walnut Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure your bread comes out cleanly and without sticking. This step sets you up for an even bake and easy cleanup!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth but still slightly chunky to keep some texture. Stir in the melted butter to create a rich base. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix everything thoroughly—the sugars need to dissolve into the wet ingredients to achieve that perfect sweet balance in your walnut banana bread recipe.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the bread rise uniformly and enhances the overall flavor.

Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing here because that can make the bread dense and tough. The batter should look lumpy and thick, which is exactly what you want for a light crumb with good rise.

Step 5: Add the Walnuts

Stir in the chopped walnuts, making sure they are distributed evenly throughout the batter. The walnuts give this banana bread its signature crunch and a wonderful earthy bite that contrasts perfectly with the sweet, soft banana base.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you love extra walnut crunch, sprinkle some more walnuts on top before baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Walnut Banana Bread Recipe

Walnut Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. A drizzle of honey or a smear of whipped butter also enhances the nutty and sweet notes beautifully, making each bite feel indulgent.

Side Dishes

This Walnut Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For breakfast, serve it alongside some creamy yogurt and fresh berries to add freshness and lightness. At snack time, it’s lovely with a smear of nut butter or cream cheese for extra richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your banana bread into a dessert by slicing and layering it with mascarpone and fresh fruit to create a unique trifle. Or toast slices lightly and top with ricotta, honey, and crushed walnuts for a delightful twist that will impress guests at brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, wrap your walnut banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days without losing moisture or flavor, perfect for enjoying the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then place the pieces between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer bag. Frozen banana bread can last up to 3 months and thaws quickly at room temperature or in the toaster.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked feel, simply warm slices in a toaster or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This releases the aroma of walnuts and banana—making each bite taste even better than the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts whole instead of chopped?

Chopped walnuts are recommended for even distribution and easy biting, but if you prefer whole walnuts, you can place a few on top before baking for an attractive presentation and crunchy texture.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even browned. These bananas are at their sweetest and will make your walnut banana bread recipe incredibly flavorful and moist.

Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely. Pecans or almonds work well as substitutes and will change the flavor profile slightly but still add that satisfying crunch you want in banana bread.

Is it necessary to melt the butter?

Melting the butter ensures it blends smoothly with the wet ingredients and helps create a tender crumb. Room temperature softened butter can be used, but melting gives the best texture in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help the bread hold together.

Final Thoughts

This Walnut Banana Bread Recipe is more than just a loaf; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in quiet moments alone. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it invites everyone to create something delicious and comforting from scratch. I hope you enjoy baking and eating it just as much as I do!