about contact
Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe

by
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 112 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a moist, flavorful banana bread that tastes just like the one from Starbucks, you’re in for a real treat! This Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe is my go-to whenever I want to whip up something comforting and crowd-pleasing in no time. I absolutely love how it turns out every single time—super moist with just the right amount of sweetness and that delightful nutty crunch.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Moist Texture: The combination of ripe bananas and buttermilk creates incredible moisture you’ll adore.
  • Easy to Make: No fancy ingredients or techniques—perfect for any skill level, even if you’re baking for the first time.
  • Customizable Flavor: You can swap nuts, add cinnamon or even chocolate chips for extra oomph.
  • Perfect Anytime Snack: It’s fantastic for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or even a late-night craving.
The image shows a close-up of a stack of four thick slices of nut-studded banana bread, each slice rich brown in color and packed with light brown walnut pieces embedded throughout. The texture looks moist and slightly crumbly, with visible nuts sticking out from the edges of each slice. The stack sits on white parchment paper atop a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a bunch of bright yellow bananas on the left side and a glass bottle filled with milk to the right, enhancing the cozy breakfast feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Perfect Banana Nut Bread, banana nut bread recipe, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list might look simple, but each one plays a vital role in nailing that perfect balance of flavors and texture. I always use ripe bananas—they bring natural sweetness and moisture that can’t be beat. If you don’t have buttermilk handy, no worries, I’ve got a hack for that below.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a teaspoon of baking soda beside a small pile of coarse salt, a small heap of ground cinnamon on the side, one whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl holding golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl containing buttermilk, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, three extra ripe bananas with vibrant yellow skins and brown spots, and half a cup of roughly chopped walnuts arranged neatly beside the bowls, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Perfect Banana Nut Bread, banana nut bread recipe, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread
  • All purpose flour: Spoon and level it for an accurate measurement to keep the bread from turning dense.
  • Baking soda: This helps the bread rise perfectly with that light crumb.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors you love.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm spice without overpowering the bananas.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
  • Sugar: Sweetens, of course, but not too much—you want the bananas to shine.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread wonderfully moist without heaviness.
  • Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and extra tenderness. (Or you can make your own with milk and vinegar.)
  • Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor and rounds out sweetness.
  • Ripe bananas: The star of the show—extra ripe means more natural sweetness.
  • Chopped walnuts: A crunchy contrast that’s totally worth it. Walnuts toast nicely in the oven while the bread bakes.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on my mood or what I have on hand. The perfect banana nut bread recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

  • Nut-Free: I’ve swapped walnuts for sunflower seeds when guests have allergies, and it still tastes amazing.
  • Chocolate Chip Addition: Dropping in a handful of chocolate chips makes it a decadent treat my family goes crazy for.
  • Muffin Format: If you’re short on time, try baking the batter in muffin tins—quick, portable, and just as delicious.
  • Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger amps up the warmth, especially great in fall.

How to Make Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 325°F and prep an 8×5 loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. I usually like to line it with parchment paper, which makes removing the bread afterward a breeze. This little step saves me headaches every time!

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Just a light mix is enough—overmixing flour at this stage can make your bread tough, and we’re going for tender here.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the egg, sugar, and vegetable oil until fully combined. I find this step helps keep the batter silky smooth and ensures the sugar dissolves nicely.

Step 4: Combine and Add Bananas

Now add the dry ingredients to the wet and give it a good stir. The batter will be thick and a bit dry, which is totally normal here. Next, in go the buttermilk, vanilla, and your mashed ripe bananas—mix gently until everything just comes together. Don’t overmix! The batter should be thick and moist.

Step 5: Pour, Top, and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for that signature nutty crunch. Pop it in the oven on the center rack and bake for 60-75 minutes. I always check around 60 minutes by inserting a knife or toothpick; when it comes out clean, your banana bread is done.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe

  • Use Extra Ripe Bananas: I discovered this trick when I learned that bananas with brown spots give your bread natural sweetness and moistness.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten which can make your bread tough; mix until just combined for tender crumb.
  • Check Oven Temperature: Ovens vary, so use an oven thermometer to avoid underbaking or overbaking.
  • Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper saves me from breaking my perfectly baked loaf when removing it from the pan.

How to Serve Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe

The image shows four slices of banana bread stacked slightly overlapped on a wooden board with a white marbled texture beneath. Each slice has a golden-brown crust and a soft light brown inside with visible bits of banana and small walnut pieces. The top slice has a spread of melting white butter in the middle, creating a creamy texture. Scattered around the bread are whole walnut halves, and two ripe spotted bananas rest on the side. In the bottom right corner, a shiny metal butter knife with some butter on its blade lies on the board. The whole scene has warm, natural lighting, giving a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Perfect Banana Nut Bread, banana nut bread recipe, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread

Garnishes

I love topping slices with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread to elevate the flavor. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra chopped walnut on top and drizzle a touch of honey for an indulgent finish. Trust me, it’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

This banana nut bread pairs perfectly with a hot latte or a simple cup of black coffee. I also enjoy serving it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt when I want to balance sweet and tangy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

When I bring this to brunch or a potluck, I slice it into thick slabs and arrange on a wooden board with clusters of grapes and nuts around it—makes for a rustic, inviting display! You can also cut into bite-sized cubes for a fancy finger-food style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I wrap my leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread soft without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this banana nut bread many times, and it holds up beautifully. Just wrap the loaf in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil or place it inside a large ziplock freezer bag. Frozen banana bread stays delicious for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave them for about 20 seconds—just enough to warm through without drying the bread. You’ll still get that tender, moist texture that makes this recipe the perfect banana nut bread.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Thaw the frozen bananas beforehand and drain any excess liquid if needed. Using frozen bananas actually makes the bread extra moist and intensifies the flavor.

  2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?

    If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with a 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This DIY buttermilk is an easy way to maintain tenderness in your bread.

  3. My banana bread turned out dense. What did I do wrong?

    Dense banana bread often happens if the bananas aren’t ripe enough, or if the batter is overmixed which develops gluten. Make sure to use super ripe bananas and mix the batter just until combined.

  4. Can I bake this batter as muffins?

    Definitely! Scoop the batter into muffin liners, bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake another 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this banana nut bread, I didn’t expect it to be as easy and delicious as it turned out—but it absolutely is my family’s favorite comfort food now. This Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe feels like a warm hug in loaf form, and I really hope you give it a try. Once you do, you’ll see why it’s so special—it’s simple, reliable, and incredibly tasty. Plus, sharing it with friends or keeping it all to yourself, it’s a win either way!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Perfect Banana Nut Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread recipe delivers a moist, flavorful loaf packed with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, perfectly spiced with cinnamon. It’s an easy-to-make treat that captures the beloved bakery-style bread, ideal for breakfast or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/8 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 extra ripe bananas, mashed

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray an 8×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and optionally line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and spice.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing well. The batter will be thick and dry at this point.
  5. Add Moist Ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until fully combined to create a moist batter.
  6. Pour Batter and Add Walnuts: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the surface for added texture.
  7. Bake: Bake on the center rack of the oven for 60 to 75 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the banana nut bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • If using a 9×5 inch loaf pan, reduce the baking time to avoid overbaking.
  • Make homemade buttermilk by adding 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup milk; let it sit for 5 minutes. Use only 2 tablespoons for this recipe.
  • To make muffins, spoon the batter into a muffin tin with liners and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • For freezing, cool the bread completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a large freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 loaf)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *