The Banana Bread We Can’t Stop Baking
(Seriously, our neighbors keep “dropping by” when this is in the oven)
Okay, friends. We need to talk about this best banana bread recipe FOR BREAKFAST. Not to brag, but it’s the kind of recipe that turns first-time bakers into kitchen heroes and has your family begging for “just one more slice.” Those three sad-looking bananas on your counter? They’re about to become legendary.
Quick Links
What You'll Find in This Guide
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
(banana bread old-fashioned)
- It’s stupidly easy – no fancy techniques, I promise
- The texture? Imagine a cloud and a muffin had a baby
- That smell wafting through your house? Pure happiness in oven form
- Customizable AF (more on that later)
Let’s Get Messy (In the Best Way)
Grab your favorite mixing bowl and toss in:
- ½ cup softened butter (just leave it out for an hour)
- ¾ cup sugar (white, brown, whatever – we’re not picky)
Now, mush them together like you’re making the world’s easiest buttercream. When it looks fluffy and vaguely like wet sand, you’re golden.
Pro Tip: If your butter’s still cold? Microwave it for 5-7 seconds – just enough to take the chill off.
Banana Business
Take those three very ripe bananas (black spots = flavor gold) and mash them in a separate bowl. Lumps are welcome – we’re not making baby food here. Unless you are, in which case… weird flex but okay.
The Magic Happens Here
- Dump your banana mush into the butter mixture
- Crack two eggs (room temp blends better)
- Stir until it looks like yellow pancake batter
- In another bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Now gently mix the dry into the wet. I mean gently – we’re making bread, not working out aggression.
The Fun Part
- Splash in ½ tsp vanilla (the good stuff)
- Fold in ½ cup raisins (or don’t, I’m not your mom)
- Add 1 cup toasted walnuts (game changer)
Mix-In Ideas for Rebels:
→ Chocolate chips (banana bread with walnuts and chocolate chips recipe)
→ Shredded coconut (tropical vibes)
→ Crushed pretzels (sweet & salty FTW)
Bake It Like You Mean It
(best banana bread recipe FOR BREAKFAST)
- Butter a loaf pan like you’re preparing it for a spa day
- Dust with flour like you’re Tony Montana (but less cocaine)
- Pour in that glorious batter
- Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes
How to Know It’s Done:
Toothpick test with moist crumbs (no wet batter) = perfect
Clean toothpick = you overbaked it, friend
The Best Part
Let it cool for 10 minutes (torture, I know), then flip it out. That first slice? Absolute magic. Toasted the next day with butter? Chef’s kiss.
Storage Pro-Tip:
Wrap tightly in foil – stays moist for days. Or freeze slices for emergency cravings.
Leftover Magic
Top Pumpkin Pie Recipe: Rich, Creamy, and Full of Flavor
How to Make a Swedish Princess Torte Cake
Vintage Birthday Cakes: From Simple to Spectacular
Real Talk
This isn’t just banana bread. It’s memories-in-the-making bread. It’s “I-brought-this-to-the-potluck-and-now-everyone-loves-me” bread. Make it once, and you’ll understand why we keep extra bananas “accidentally” going brown.
Variation We’re Obsessed With:
Swirl in 2 tbsp peanut butter before baking. You’re welcome.
Tag us if you make it! Or don’t – we’ll assume you ate the whole loaf yourself. No judgment.
Banana Bread With Walnuts and Raisins Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup sugar white or brown
- 3 very ripe bananas mashed
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 cup toasted walnuts chopped
- Optional Mix-ins: chocolate chips shredded coconut, crushed pretzels
Instructions
Instructions:
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan with butter and lightly dust with flour. Tap out the excess.
Make the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, mash the bananas (lumps are totally fine).
- Add mashed bananas and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until well combined.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
Add the Dry Stuff:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix—just combine until no dry streaks remain.
Fold in the Fun:
- Stir in raisins and toasted walnuts, or use your favorite mix-ins.
- Optional: Swirl 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the batter for a next-level twist.
Bake It:
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool fully.
Notes
Storage Tips
- Counter: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap—stays moist up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Toast straight from frozen!
Tips And Variations
- Butter too cold? Microwave for 5–7 seconds.
- No walnuts? Try pecans or skip them entirely.
- Need to impress? Drizzle with honey or glaze after baking.
- Going tropical? Add shredded coconut + lime zest.
- Sweet & salty twist: Crushed pretzels + dark chocolate chips = game changer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ
What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?
Overmixing the batter is the #1 mistake when making banana bread. Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in a dense, tough texture instead of a moist, tender crumb. For best results, mix just until ingredients are combined—small lumps are okay!
What pairs well with banana bread?
Best Pairings for Banana Bread (Quick Answer for Snippets):
1. Coffee or Tea: Enhances the warm, spiced flavors (especially with cinnamon or nutmeg).
2. Cream Cheese or Butter: Adds richness and balances sweetness.
3. Greek Yogurt: Cuts through the density with tanginess.
4. Fresh Berries: Bright acidity contrasts with the sweetness (strawberries, blueberries).
5. Nuts or Nut Butter: Complements texture (almond butter, walnuts).
6. Ice Cream: For dessert-style indulgence (vanilla or caramel).
Serve slightly warmed for maximum flavor!
Is banana bread healthy or unhealthy?
Banana bread can be healthy if made with whole grains, less sugar, and nuts, but unhealthy if loaded with butter and refined flour. Homemade versions are often healthier than store-bought.
Why is banana bread so high in calories?
Banana bread packs calories because of:
Sugar (white/brown sugar, honey)
Butter or oil (for moisture and richness)
Flour (refined or whole grain carbs)
Add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, frosting)
Even bananas, while nutritious, add natural sugars. A single slice can range from 200 – 400+ calories, depending on ingredients.
How do you keep walnuts from sinking in banana bread?
The trick is coating walnuts in flour before mixing them into the batter. Here’s why it works:
The flour creates a light barrier, helping them “float” in the batter during baking.
Do this: Toss 1–2 tbsp of flour with walnuts before folding them in.
Is banana bread bad for losing weight?
Banana bread can fit a weight-loss diet if made healthy: use less sugar, whole grains, and nuts. Store-bought versions are often high-calorie. Stick to 1 small slice and adjust recipes to cut calories.
How many calories are in a piece of homemade banana bread?
A typical slice (1/12th of a 9×5 loaf) has 200–300 calories, depending on ingredients:
Lower-cal (200) → Less sugar, no nuts, applesauce instead of oil
Standard (250–300) → Contains butter/oil, sugar, walnuts/chocolate chips
Tip: Cut thinner slices (1/16th loaf) to reduce to ~150–200 calories.
Should I toast walnuts for banana bread?
Yes! Lightly toasting walnuts (5–7 mins at 350°F/175°C) before adding them to banana bread:
Enhances flavor – Brings out nutty richness
Improves texture – Adds crunch, prevents fogginess
Cool walnuts before mixing into batter to avoid melting wet ingredients
What nuts go well with banana bread?
The best Nuts for Banana Bread are:
Walnuts – Classic choice, buttery & slightly bitter (balance sweetness)
Pecans – Rich, caramel-like flavor (great with cinnamon)
Almonds – Subtle crunch (slice or sliver them)
Hazelnuts – Luxurious depth (pairs well with chocolate chips)
Toast nuts first for maximum flavor!
Don’t miss out—follow us on social media for updates:
1 thought on “The Best Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins”