Name: Banana Walnut Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (about 350 g); 115 g (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar; 50 g (1/3 cup) brown sugar; 2 eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 120 ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk or plain yogurt; 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional); 100 g (1 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans

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Banana walnut bread soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor and crunchy walnuts, easy to make at home with simple ingredients for a tender bakery-style loaf perfect for breakfast or snacking.

banana walnut bread slice on a plate soft and moist texture

This banana walnut bread is a simple homemade loaf with a soft crumb, rich banana flavor, and plenty of chopped walnuts in every slice.

I use my classic banana bread base here and add walnuts for extra texture, which makes this banana bread with walnuts easy, reliable, and perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Soft, moist texture with rich banana flavor
Crunchy walnuts in every slice
Easy loaf recipe with simple ingredients

Ingredients You Need

Bananas: very ripe bananas, mashed
Butter: unsalted butter, softened or melted
Sugar: granulated sugar and brown sugar
Eggs: large eggs, room temperature
Buttermilk: or yogurt or milk
Flour: all-purpose flour
Baking soda: for banana bread rise
Vanilla and salt
Walnuts: chopped walnuts

banana walnut bread loaf cut into slices on table

Tips before you start

Check baking early: to keep the loaf moist and not dry
Use ripe bananas: the more spotted they are, the better the flavor and moisture
Room temperature eggs: helps create a smooth batter
Do not overmix: mix just until combined to keep a soft texture
Use baking soda: gives a better rise with bananas and buttermilk
Chop walnuts small: for an even texture in every bite

How to Make Banana Walnut Bread

This is my classic banana bread recipe with the addition of chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

In a bowl, mash bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.

In a large bowl, mix butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth and combined.

mixing bowl with butter sugar and eggs for banana bread

Stir in buttermilk and mashed bananas until smooth.

Add flour, baking soda, salt, and walnuts, then mix gently with a spatula until just combined.

bowl with chopped walnuts and dry ingredients for banana bread

Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C and line a 10-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top.

banana walnut bread batter in loaf pan before baking

And bake for 45–55 minutes until golden.

Let cool in the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Slice and serve as is or with cream cheese, jam, or nut butter.

banana walnut bread baked in loaf pan golden top

Serving Suggestions

Serve this banana walnut bread slightly warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea for an easy breakfast or snack.

Add a smooth vanilla glaze on top for a sweeter finish and extra flavor.

Storage

Store at room temperature up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Recipe variations

Banana bread with walnuts and chocolate chips
Banana walnut bread without butter (oil version)
Banana walnut muffins
Banana bread with pecans
Banana walnut bread with cinnamon

Try my chocolate chip banana bread version for a sweeter twist with melty chocolate.

Recipe Questions

Can I make banana walnut bread without walnuts

Yes, skip them or replace with other nuts or chocolate chips

Can I freeze banana walnut bread

Yes, freeze slices up to 3 months

Can I use frozen bananas

Yes, thaw and drain before using

How do I know it’s baked

Insert a toothpick, it should come out clean or with crumbs

slice of banana walnut bread on plate with visible walnuts

More Banana Breads

I hope you’ll love this recipe. If you try it, feel free to leave a comment. Happy baking!

Banana Walnut Bread

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5 from 1 review

Author: Fadela
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 10 slices

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Description

Delicious banana walnut bread with a soft and moist texture and crunchy chopped walnuts (10 inch / 25 cm loaf pan – 10 servings)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and line a 10-inch / 25 cm loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
In a large bowl, mix butter and sugars with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
Add buttermilk and mashed bananas and mix again.
Add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and walnuts, then gently fold with a spatula until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–55 minutes until golden.
Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center, it should come out clean or with crumbs.
Let cool in the pan before removing and slicing.