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Freshly baked old-fashioned banana nut bread on a wooden table

Old-Fashioned Banana Nut Bread – A Foolproof Recipe You’ll Love


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  • Author: Sam
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This old-fashioned banana nut bread is a moist, buttery, and nutty classic that’s easy to make and packed with rich banana flavor. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a comforting treat, this foolproof recipe ensures a soft, flavorful loaf every time. With simple ingredients and a step-by-step guide, you’ll bake the most delicious banana nut bread that tastes just like grandma’s!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (or substitute brown sugar for extra moisture)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or Greek yogurt for extra moisture)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)

Add-Ins:

  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
  • ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for a sweet twist)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar.
  2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
  3. Mix in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

  1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix!
  2. Fold in the chopped nuts (and chocolate chips, if using).

Step 5: Bake the Banana Nut Bread

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  2. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
  • To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American