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Walnut Banana Bread

Moist walnut banana bread slice with butter on a rustic wooden cutting board.

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This walnut banana bread is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a deeply moist, tender crumb and pockets of buttery, toasted walnuts. It’s a simple one-bowl recipe that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead baking. The aroma of warm banana and toasted nuts filling your kitchen is pure magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large or 4 medium very ripe bananas, spotted or brown
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped walnuts on a small baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth with a few lumps. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and yogurt. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold together until just combined with no visible flour streaks. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the toasted walnuts, reserving a small handful for the top.
  6. Pour batter into a greased and parchment-lined 9×5 inch loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with reserved walnuts.
  7. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top will be deep golden brown.
  8. Let bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Then, remove from pan and let cool completely on the rack before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use very ripe bananas and toast the walnuts for maximum flavor. Do not slice the bread while hot; cooling completely ensures a perfect texture. Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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