Walnut Banana Bread

Banana bread is already a beloved classic, but adding walnuts takes it to the next level. The toasted crunch of walnuts pairs perfectly with the soft, moist banana bread, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. This recipe is easy to make, and the nuts add a wonderful texture and flavor. Whether you’re using up ripe bananas or just craving a comforting treat, this walnut banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy a slice on its own, or toast it for an extra touch of warmth and crunch.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted) or coconut oil

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon )

• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  
  

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8-inch loaf pan with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mash the bananas

Peel the bananas and place them in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth with a few small chunks remaining. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. The riper the bananas, the better!

Step 3: Mix in the wet ingredients

Add the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon over the banana mixture, and stir until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing gently until the batter just comes together. Be careful not to over-mix the batter to ensure a tender loaf.

Step 5: Fold in the walnuts

Fold the chopped walnuts into the batter. If you like, you can lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the batter. Toasting brings out their natural oils and deepens the flavor.

Step 6: Pour into the pan

Pour the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary.

Step 7: Bake

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs). Start checking around 55 minutes, as oven temperatures vary.

Step 8: Cool

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.


This Walnut Banana Bread is the perfect balance of rich banana flavor and crunchy, nutty goodness. It’s the ideal comfort food for any time of day and a great way to use up ripe bananas. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon snack, a breakfast treat, or a light dessert, this banana bread is sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, the addition of walnuts gives it an extra boost of protein and healthy fats, making it even more satisfying!