Banana Walnut Loaf Recipe — Moist, Nutty & Perfectly Sweet

Few things make a kitchen smell as comforting and cozy as a freshly baked Banana Walnut Loaf. The gentle sweetness of ripe bananas, the crunch of earthy walnuts, and the warm aroma that fills the room make it an all-time favorite for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Baking a loaf of banana bread isn’t just about following a recipe — it’s about turning simple, everyday ingredients into something that feels indulgent and homemade.

The beauty of this Banana Walnut Loaf lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced baking skills, just a few overripe bananas and a handful of pantry staples. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted with a smear of butter, or paired with your morning coffee, this loaf is moist, rich in flavor, and perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty. The walnuts add texture and a toasty aroma that elevates the classic banana bread into something special. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — reliable, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients Needed

Below is a list of ingredients with their approximate calorie counts (per serving size of one slice, based on a 10-slice loaf):

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories
Ripe bananas (mashed)	3 medium	300 kcal
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups (190 g)	680 kcal
Brown sugar	½ cup (100 g)	380 kcal
Eggs	2 large	140 kcal
Unsalted butter (melted)	½ cup (115 g)	810 kcal
Baking soda	1 tsp	0 kcal
Baking powder	½ tsp	0 kcal
Salt	¼ tsp	0 kcal
Chopped walnuts	½ cup (60 g)	390 kcal
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	12 kcal
Cinnamon (optional)	½ tsp	6 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your loaf will be.

3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until fully combined and slightly creamy.

4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Avoid overmixing — stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can make the loaf dense instead of soft.

6: Add the Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a few to sprinkle on top before baking for extra crunch and presentation.

7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8: Cool and Slice

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Add chocolate chips: A handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips gives a deliciously indulgent twist.
• Make it healthier: Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour or add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal for extra fiber.
• Use different nuts: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts also work beautifully for different flavor profiles.
• Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple maple or cream cheese glaze for a dessert-style loaf.
• Make muffins: Use the same batter for muffins — bake for about 20–25 minutes instead.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	270 kcal
Carbohydrates	32 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	16 g
Sodium	190 mg

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast treat: Serve warm with butter, almond butter, or honey alongside coffee or tea.
• Snack time: Toast a slice and top with Greek yogurt and sliced bananas.
• Dessert option: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Gift idea: Wrap slices or a full loaf in parchment and ribbon for a homemade, heartfelt edible gift.

FAQs

1. Can I use overripe bananas for Banana Walnut Loaf?

Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are the secret to the best banana loaf. The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be. They mash easily and blend smoothly into the batter, creating that moist, tender texture we all love.

2. How do I keep my Banana Walnut Loaf moist?

To keep your loaf moist, avoid overbaking — check for doneness at around 55 minutes with a toothpick test. Also, store it properly: once cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze Banana Walnut Loaf?

Yes! This loaf freezes beautifully. Once cooled completely, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It stays fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently in the oven before serving.

4. Can I make Banana Walnut Loaf without nuts?

Definitely! Simply omit the walnuts for a nut-free version — the loaf will still be moist and flavorful. You can also replace nuts with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes for added texture.

5. Why did my banana bread turn out dense or gummy?

A dense texture usually means the batter was overmixed. When flour is overworked, gluten develops, making the loaf heavy. To avoid this, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined — no more streaks of flour, but no over-stirring either.

Conclusion

A good Banana Walnut Loaf is more than just a way to use up overripe bananas — it’s a comfort bake that never fails to impress. Its tender crumb, deep banana flavor, and crunchy walnut texture make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy breakfast, a family gathering, or a sweet weekend indulgence, this loaf hits the perfect balance of flavor and nostalgia.