Nothing smells quite as comforting as freshly baked banana bread. We love how it fills the kitchen with a sweet, nutty aroma that makes everyone smile. Today, we’re excited to share a classic American recipe that’s soft, moist, and loaded with toasted walnuts.

Even though it’s called bread, its texture is more like a cake—perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or a light dessert. We’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started and bake it step by step together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make one standard loaf or three smaller pans, we’ll need:

- 4 large ripe bananas

- 2 eggs

- 160g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 80–100g (1 cup) granulated sugar, adjust to taste

- 3g (½ teaspoon) salt

- 5g (1½ teaspoons) baking soda

- 320g (2 cups) all-purpose flour

- 1 cup roasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped

Tip: Fully ripe bananas are naturally sweeter and help create a soft, moist texture. Toasting the walnuts adds flavor and crunch, making each bite more enjoyable.

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a standard loaf pan (23.5x13.3x7 cm) or three small baking pans (13x7x6 cm) with butter or non-stick spray.

3. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure the batter is smooth.

4. Mash two bananas with a fork until smooth and set aside.

5. Melt the butter in a microwave for about 30 seconds and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Combine Bananas and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the remaining two bananas.

2. Add the sugar and mix for 3 minutes until smooth and slightly creamy.

3. This mixture will form the sweet, soft base of our banana bread.

Step 3: Add Butter and Eggs

1. Slowly pour the cooled melted butter into the banana-sugar mixture while stirring gently.

2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

4. At this stage, the batter should be smooth, rich, and fragrant.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually fold the sifted flour mixture into the wet mixture.

2. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense and tough.

3. At this point, the batter should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 5: Add Remaining Bananas and Nuts

1. Fold in the mashed bananas from Step 1.

2. Gently add the roasted walnuts or pecans, mixing until evenly distributed.

3. Toasted nuts not only enhance the flavor but also give a satisfying crunch in each slice.

4. If you prefer, you can peel the nuts to reduce any slight bitterness.

Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf or small pans, spreading it evenly.

2. Bake:

- Small pans: 40–45 minutes

- Standard loaf pan: 55–60 minutes

3. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. You’ll notice a rich, sweet aroma filling your kitchen even before it’s fully baked.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.

2. Carefully remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Slice and enjoy plain, or spread lightly with butter or your favorite nut butter.

4. We love it warm, straight from the oven, for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Extra Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

- Baking soda, not yeast, is used, so the bread rises quickly and has a soft, cake-like texture.

- Sugar and butter can be slightly adjusted, but if you reduce butter, reduce flour slightly to prevent dryness.

- For variety, we sometimes add chocolate chips, cinnamon, or dried fruits.

- This batter can also be used to make six cupcake-sized portions—great for sharing with friends or gifting.

Slice and Savor!

There’s nothing quite like slicing into warm, fragrant banana bread with a crunchy nut topping. We hope this recipe inspires you to bake and enjoy this classic treat in your own kitchen. Lykkers, don’t be afraid to experiment with different nuts, sugar levels, or even add-ins like chocolate chips—every batch can be a little adventure in flavor. Let’s bake together and enjoy the comfort of homemade banana bread!