Easy Homemade Banana Bread

This easy homemade banana bread is a family favorite — and it’s actually a 4-H Blue Ribbon recipe! I baked this exact loaf for a 4-H baking competition when I was a kid, and I’m proud to say it earned me a blue ribbon.

My family has passed down this classic banana bread recipe for generations – and it always turns out perfectly moist, sweet, and full of flavor.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, how do I make moist banana bread with simple ingredients, this is the recipe for you. With just a few pantry staples and some overripe bananas, you’ll have the best banana nut bread — perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

I didn’t grow up with a lot of variety when it came to food. My parents are both picky eaters, and my mom has the most sensitive stomach of anyone I know. So, my siblings and I were kind of food deprived — no fish, no seafood, no Chinese takeout. You get the idea!

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My Family’s Tried-and-True Recipes

Over the years, my mom perfected a small collection of recipes – and they became the heart of our family meals.

What we lacked in variety, we made up for in tried-and-true family recipes. My mom had about 20 dishes she made on repeat, and to her credit, she perfected every single one. Her Classic Sugar Cookies were a holiday must, her Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies disappeared as fast as she could bake them, and her Egg Salad was the only thing we wanted for lunch. Dinner often meant comforting favorites like her Stuffed Peppers with Rice – simple, hearty, and always delicious. Most of these recipes came from her older sister, and they became staples in our home.

Our Award-Winning Banana Bread Story

Of all those recipes, my mom’s banana nut bread was a clear favorite. My sister and I even took this exact recipe to 4-H baking contests when we were kids – and it always came home with a ribbon!

A few weeks ago, when we were back home visiting, it only felt right to make a fresh batch of mom’s best banana nut bread. Now, I can’t wait to show you how to make moist banana bread with simple ingredients – just like my mom always did!

A big part of what makes this classic banana bread recipe so good is starting with the right bananas. Not all bananas are created equal when it comes to baking, and over the years, I’ve learned that using the best banana type makes all the difference in getting that perfect sweet flavor and moist texture.

What’s the Best Type of Bananas for Banana Bread?

The best bananas for banana bread are mushy, overripe bananas that look like they are slightly rotten. They are speckled with black and brown marks. The darker the peel of the banana, the more sweet they will be.

Banana Nut Bread Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy homemade banana bread. Most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

• all-purpose flour – I prefer to use unbleached all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• baking soda
• double acting baking soda – double acting is best for baking
• salt – I use iodized all purpose table salt when baking banana bread for the best flavor
• margarine – my mom always used Imperial stick margarine, you can opt for regular salted or unsalted sweet cream butter if you like, but the flavor may be slightly different
• eggs – the more fresh the better!
• ripe bananas – over-ripe bananas that are speckled with black and brown marks
• chopped walnuts – save time chopping the walnuts by buying already chopped ones

How To Make Banana Nut Bread Step-by-Step

This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to make moist banana nut bread with simple ingredients.

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: Cut in the butter until crumbly

Using a pastry blender, cut the margarine (or butter) into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly.

Step 3: Stir in nuts

Gently stir in the chopped walnuts or your favorite nuts, we prefer walnuts in this loaf bread.

Step 4: Mash the bananas and mix with eggs

In a separate bowl, mash your overripe bananas. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Combine the mashed bananas and beaten eggs together.

Step 5: Grease pans

Grease your baking pans (or cans) to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Fill pans half way

Fill each pan (or can) about halfway with the banana bread batter, leaving room for the bread to rise.

Step 7: Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool, slice, and enjoy!

Remove the banana bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Banana bread is one of those simple recipes that everyone loves, but over the years, I’ve found it comes with lots of little questions. From baking times to keeping it moist, here are answers to the most common questions I’ve gotten — so you can make perfect banana bread every time.

How long does it take to bake banana nut bread?

Depending on the type of pan you are using to bake your banana nut bread in, the time will vary. However, typically speaking, a small loaf of banana bread baked in a 350°F oven will take around 40 minutes. Always check the center of your bread with a toothpick or a knife to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly before removing it from the oven.

Can banana nut bread be made without nuts?

Yes, banana bread can be made without the nuts.

What other ingredients can you add to banana bread?

• chocolate chips
• walnuts or pecans
• dried fruits; cranberries, cherries, raisins

Can you freeze banana nut bread?

Yes! Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do I keep banana bread moist after baking?

To keep banana bread moist, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Printable Recipe Card

I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you try this classic banana bread recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you added any fun mix-ins.

More Delicious Banana Recipes

If you love this classic banana bread recipe, you’ll also love these banana-inspired treats:

• Banana Split Kabobs – A fun, fruity dessert on a stick.
• Nutella Peanut Butter Banana Tortillas – A quick, kid-friendly snack.
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins – Perfect for breakfast or snacks.
• Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries, Banana, and Chocolate – A wholesome treat with a hint of sweetness.