The Best Banana Nut Bread
This ultimate Banana Nut Bread Recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. This easy-to-make treat is moist and delicious and will get rave reviews from your loved ones. Perfect for breakfast on the go, as a snack, or a delightful dessert with its soft crumb and crunchy exterior. It freezes well and tastes amazing any time of the year.
This is the only recipe you will need for Banana Nut Bread. It’s that good. It is so easy to make and tastes fantastic! Sugar, shortening, eggs, bananas, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pecans.
Waiting For The Bananas To Get Ripe
I’ve had a taste for banana nut bread lately. I bought bananas last week at the grocery store and waited–what seemed like forever– for them to get good and ripe.
After patiently waiting for an eternity, my bananas were perfectly ripe and ready to be transformed into mouthwatering Banana Nut Bread. Finally, after 4 days, the bananas were ready for me to mix up the ingredients, which was a breeze, and before I knew it, the batter was ready to be poured into the loaf pan. This is a fabulous recipe and a great way to use overripe bananas.
What Is Moist Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Banana Nut Bread is a timeless treat that combines sweet, ripe bananas with crunchy pecans, creating a comforting bread that satisfies the soul. It is moist and flavorful and the best recipe for using overripe bananas. It’s popular and known for its moist interior, crunchy exterior, sweet aroma, and nutty taste. It only takes about 10 minutes to throw together and an hour to bake.
Why This Recipe Works
If you find yourself with overripe bananas on your kitchen counter, don’t toss them out. Instead, use them to make banana nut bread. Overripe mashed bananas are combined with other ingredients to make the best banana bread recipes around. This recipe works because it combines quality ingredients, proper techniques, and flexibility to produce a moist, flavorful, and satisfying baked treat that is loved by many.
Balance of Ingredients: The recipe includes just the right balance of ingredients. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in contributing to the bread’s texture, flavor, and overall success.
Using Ripe Bananas: Using ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture in the bread. As bananas ripen, they become sweeter, enhancing their flavor and making them ideal for baking.
Versatility: This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. You can customize the bread by adding chocolate chips, vanilla extract, or a dash of ground cinnamon.
Freezer Friendly: The bread freezes well, allowing you to make it ahead of time and store it for future enjoyment. This makes it a convenient option for busy schedules or unexpected guests.
If you’re looking for more bread recipes, try Easy Frozen Biscuits or my Cranberry Orange Bread. They are both fantastic, and they can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients Needed for Banana Nut Bread
The ingredients are simple and mostly pantry staples. By using these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making a loaf of delicious banana bread for your family or guests. For a complete list of amounts, see the printable recipe card below.
- Sugar – Sugar is used to sweeten this classic banana bread recipe. Feel free to adjust the sugar as needed. It is not overly sweet and adds to the texture of the bread.
- Shortening – Shortening is a solid fat used in baking and helps to achieve moist bread.
- Eggs – Eggs act as a binding ingredient and help to hold this delicious loaf of banana bread together. I use large eggs.
- Bananas – Ripe or overripe bananas are the star ingredient and provide natural sweetness and moisture to the quick bread. Mash bananas well.
- Flour – Flour serves as a base ingredient and provides structure to the bread. I use all-purpose flour for this recipe.
- Baking Soda – Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the bread to rise and gives it a fluffy texture.
- Baking Powder – Another leavening agent that aids in the rise of the bread.
- Salt – Just a pinch of salt is needed to balance the sweetness and flavors in this bread.
- Pecans – Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to this banana nut bread. Feel free to use walnuts if so desired.
How To Make This Banana Nut Bread Recipe with Pecans
Following this easy recipe will ensure you will have the best results for this easy banana bread recipe.
- Prepare Loaf Pan and Preheat Oven: Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking. Make sure to coat the pan well. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine Sugar, Shortening, and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, shortening, and eggs. Using a hand mixer, beat until creamy and well combined.
- Mash and Add Bananas: Mash the ripe bananas and add them to the sugar, shortening, and egg mixture. Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the chopped nuts to the flour mixture and mix to combine.
- Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing only until well moistened. Do not overmix.
- Pour Batter into Loaf Pan: Pour the banana nut bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spoon.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour (50-60 minutes) or until the bread is well browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool, Slice, and Serve: Once baked, remove the banana nut bread from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove the bread from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the bread into individual slices and serve. I like to slice the banana pecan bread while it is still slightly warm and enjoy it with a cup of coffee.
Expert Baking Tips
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best banana bread your family and friends have ever tasted.
- Bananas: –Use ripe bananas. I like to use those bananas that have brown spots and are a little mushy. As a tip–I like to buy bananas that are already getting ripe. This seems to speed up the process at least by a day or two.
- Flour: –Sift the flour to ensure no clumps or lumps go into the mixture.
- Nuts: –Use fresh pecans. The crunch of pecans is one of the best things about this recipe. Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts in this recipe.
- Mixing: — Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix only until moistened. You do not want to over-mix.
- Loaf Pan: — Use a well-greased and floured loaf pan. You might also line your pan with parchment paper.
- Baking: This bread usually takes about an hour to bake. Of course, oven temperature and cooking times vary, so adjust where needed. You want a nice golden brown crust. If your bread is browning too much to your liking, create a tent out of aluminum foil. Place over the top of your bread to complete the baking time.
This recipe is as easy as can be and will come out perfect every time. It’s moist, flavorful, and will melt in your mouth.
Recipe Variations
These are just suggestions to enhance your loaf of banana nut bread.
- Sprinkle the top of the batter with additional chopped nuts or a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Add some cinnamon and sugar to the top of the bread after it comes out of the oven.
- Add some shredded coconut to the mix for more flavor and texture.
- Add some chocolate chips to the batter for chocolate chip banana bread.
Use the Right Pan
Make sure you choose a loaf pan for this recipe—my pan measures 9″ x 5″ with a non-stick coating. Be sure to grease and flour the pan to ensure there is no sticking. Even though my pan is non-stick, I still grease and flour to ensure I don’t have any of that delicious bread sticking to the pan.
Add-Ins
Any of these add-ins would work fine with this recipe.
Walnuts, Pecans, Chocolate Chips, Shredded Coconut
How to Store Banana Nut Bread
You never know when the craving might hit for a delicious treat. This is the best banana nut bread recipe and is great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Good for any time of the day. Having some on hand for you, your family, or unexpected guests is nice.
To Store:
Store at Room Temperature: Cover the room temperature bread tightly with plastic wrap for 2-3 days.
Store in the Refrigerator: Cool banana nut bread to room temperature, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, or place individual slices in a zip-top bag or airtight container. This will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. My banana bread never lasts that long. I also find the flavor is better with each passing day.
To Freeze: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil—place it in a freezer bag in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Really good for any time of the day.
Need a Gift
Giving banana nut bread with pecans as a gift is a thoughtful and delicious gesture. A pan of Banana Nut Bread would make any new mom, neighbor, teacher, preacher, or anyone for that matter–SMILE! It is sure to brighten someone’s day.
Here are some tips for packaging it. Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it to avoid condensation.
Select Container: Select a decorative tin, gift box, a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or a loaf pan wrapped in paper and tied with twine.
Add Personal Touches: Add a note card, a gift tag, or fresh flowers. You might also include a handwritten copy of the recipe.
Make a Gift Basket: Add the wrapped bread along with a card, some honey, homemade jams, and some flavored coffee.
Be sure to check out my Apple Dumpling recipe and Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake for more delicious treats. Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars have never disappointed my family or guest.
Recipe FAQs
Ripe bananas for banana nut bread should have brown spots on the peel and feel soft when gently squeezed. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be.
Yes, you can make banana nut bread without nuts. The bread will still be delicious.
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to make mini loaves of bread. Divide the batter between the pans and bake at the regular temperature. You will need to reduce the bake time according to the pan size. These would be perfect for a bake sale or as a gift.
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The Best Banana Nut Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 Eggs
- 3 bananas well ripened
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Loaf Pan and Preheat Oven: Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking. Make sure to coat the pan well. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine Sugar, Shortening, and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, shortening, and eggs. Using a hand mixer, beat until creamy and well combined.
- Mash and Add Bananas: Mash the ripe bananas and add them to the sugar, shortening, and egg mixture. Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the chopped nuts to the flour mixture and mix to combine.
- Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing only until well moistened. Do not overmix.
- Pour Batter into Loaf Pan: Pour the banana nut bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spoon.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour (50-60 minutes) or until the bread is well browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Bake at 350 degrees.
- Cool, Slice, and Serve: Once baked, remove the banana nut bread from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove the bread from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the bread into individual slices and serve.
Very good
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
It’s a rainy afternoon, got some old bananas on the counter. Great recipe and delicious. My oven gets real hot, so I took the bread out at 45 min. The wife said the bread moist and perfect. Thank you.
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe and the bread. It really is The Best Banana Nut Bread! You are welcome!
awesome bread. yummy thank you.
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
:H;i, made this today and it was sooooo gooood. Thanks!
Great! So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Can you sub butter or vegetable oil for the shortening?
I have not substituted anything with this recipe. I can not tell you with 100% certainty if the substitution would work.
I substituted the shortening for room temperature coconut oil and everything turned out perfectly
Great! Thanks for your comment!
I subbed a stick of real butter for shortening and it came out moist and tastes delicious.
So glad it turned out great! Thanks for the reply. 🙂
I made this today with my 1.5 yr old grandson. We were fast and loose with the measuring, flour and sugar everywhere! He learned to mush the bananas, and take some of the walnuts. Doubled and used butter, made a load of muffins, 20 min. Perfect!
Awww. I love it! Great memories with your grandson. I am so glad they turned out perfect!
I was looking for a recipe but I run out of butter and other recipes ask for butter luckily I run in to yours, my bread came out so delicious thank you
You are very welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!
The best banana bread I ever baked. I have a gluten allergy so I substituted with gluten free flour and I also used apple sauce instead of eggs. Turned out perfect. Light and flavorful. Thanks for the recipe. Oh and I also used walnuts.
So glad you tried the recipe and you were able to make these substitutions for your needs. Glad everything turned out delicious! 🙂
How do you typically store your banana bread??
Personally, I wrap my banana bread in Saran Wrap and store in the refrigerator. Thanks for your comment.
I made a double batch, and, added two Gala apples (chopped, and mashed into bananas). Sprinkled semisweet choc chips on top, baked for 45 mins. Turned out really well; it seems to be a hit. Thank you kindly for such a simple-but delicious-addition to the “breads recipe’ file. 👍🏻🍽
This sounds amazing! Thanks for your comment!
Hi- How long do I cook this if I make banana nut muffins from your recipe?
Hello Anna,
I would cook for 18-22 minutes. Start checking at the 18 minute mark. All oven differ. Enjoy!
I tried this and absolutely love it! I followed the recipe exactly and I don’t think I would tweak it at all when I make it again
Great! I am so glad you loved it. This is a great recipe and the Banana Nut Bread always turns out perfect every time. Thanks for the comment.
I left in the oven for an hour as it said. It tasted dry and a little burned. I’m not sure if this is due to living in high elevation. I will try it again and bake it for 45 minutes instead. Aside from this issue, it did taste good.
Yes, all ovens are different. Try checking on your bread at the 45 minute mark and then every few minutes after that. It really is a good recipe. Just make a few adjustments with the time for your oven and you should be good. Thanks for the comment.
Overripe bananas are one of my favorite ingredients to use. I love them in Jamaican Banana Fritters and recently shared that recipe. I have even tried them for pancakes, but never thought of banana nut bread. I will be making this very soon. Thanks for the recipe.
You are very welcome! I also pinned your recipe as well and I can’t wait to try your fritters.
Omg! I was just talking about making this today! I haven’t tried adding nuts though, but it looks delicious!!
I’ll have to try the recipe! It looks so yummy!
this looks delicious! I have tried making banana bred yet, I will have to!
I love banana bread!
Me too!
Oh no! I have everything but the shortening. Can I use unsalted butter instead maybe? I can’t wait to try this recipe!!
I have not made that substitution with the shortening and the butter. I can’t advise you on that swap and promise a good outcome. Sorry! But, let me know if you do try it.
Way to go on this post man. Really interesting stuff. I’ll be back to read your other posts.
Banana Bread is definitely one of our favorites to make when using up over ripe bananas. Have pinned your post and we will be sure to try your recipe. 🙂
This looks so delicious! I love the addition of nuts in banana bread!
Bananas and nuts should ALWAYS be together, especially in this delicious bread. Yum!!
I love how moist this banana bread looks in the picture! A great way to use up all those extra bananas.
This looks absolutely lovely! And it’s so easy to make, will definitely try this one!
I absolutely LOVE nuts in my banana bread! This recipe looks so good. Definitely going to try it, I have tons of ripe bananas in my freezer LOL
Banana bread is such a classic! A bunch of chopped nuts give it such great texture, I love adding a few chocolate chips in mine too
I’ll have to try chocolate chips in mine the next time I bake banana nut bread.
This banana bread recipe brings up a lot of great memories of when my mom made it Thanks for sharing this!
I love banana bread, and adding nuts to it can only make it better. can’t wait to try it !
Thank you for this great recipe! I Definitely agree with the tip regarding bananas already going ripe!
I find that the best way to ensure that you always have these overripe extra sweet bananas, is to peel them and pop them in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. My family loves banana bread, so will be trying this!
Great tip! Banana Bread is awesome. I think I’ll make another batch. 🙂
I haven’t ever put pecans in my banana bread but now it seems like I’ve been missing out!
I made this recipe. I sun butter for the shortening. I added pecans, vanilla extract and about teaspoon cinnamon. Oh boy-this is so yummy! Love this recipe! Thanks for posting!
Thank you for sharing your version of the best banana bread. I can definitely use more recipes that call for ripe bananas, since no one in my house will touch them after they reach a certain stage. I end up with a lot of ripe bananas languishing in the freezer, waiting to be used. This will help!
Thanks for sharing this delicious recipie for banana nut bread! I have baked banana bread with wallnuts but I need to try yours with pecan nuts. Looks very good!
This banana nut bread looks so moist and delicious I can see why you call it the best banana nut bread! Looking forward to trying this with my family soon. Thank you!
I’m tempted to try this banana nut bread
tasty and soft banana nut bread. its been really nice to heat it up and add some butter for breakfast
This is a delicious recipe we have made several times and love this banana bread!
This really is a super easy to make banana bread. Like that you used pecans instead of walnuts. Looking forward to trying this.
This is such a perfect banana bread!! My whole family enjoyed it!
Huge hit with the family! My kiddos are allergic to nuts so we opted to not include them but this was so wonderful and I’ll be making it again this holiday season.
Love all of the nuts in here! Such a flavorful and easy bread!