Print

Grandma’s Banana Nut Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 3 reviews

A classic and moist banana nut bread recipe featuring ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts. Perfectly sweetened and spiced, this bread makes a delicious breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1⅓ cups or 303 grams)

Add-ins

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans thoroughly and set them aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, fold in the mashed ripe bananas gently to maintain texture.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and stir until completely blended, making sure there are no dry flour pockets.
  5. Add Walnuts: Using a rubber spatula, fold the coarsely chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
  6. Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
  7. Cool and Store: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
  • If walnuts are unavailable, pecans or chocolate chips can be used as substitutes.
  • To make smaller loaves or muffins, adjust baking time accordingly, generally reducing to 20-25 minutes for muffins.
  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before folding them into the batter.
  • Covering the bread with foil during baking helps prevent excessive browning while ensuring the center cooks through.