Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon

Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon is a timeless classic that brings warmth, nostalgia, and comfort to every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the entire home with a cozy aroma of ripe bananas, toasted walnuts, and warm spices as it bakes. This banana bread delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, soft crumb, and nutty crunch, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Banana bread has long been a favorite in households around the world, especially because it transforms overripe bananas into something truly delicious. This version elevates the traditional recipe by adding crunchy walnuts and aromatic cinnamon, adding depth and richness to the flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who loves classic baked goods, this recipe offers a satisfying baking experience with amazing results every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is simple, reliable, and filled with wholesome flavors. The bananas keep the bread incredibly moist, the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting aroma, and the walnuts bring a delightful contrast of texture. It’s a loaf that stays soft for days and tastes even better after resting. This banana bread is also very versatile—you can customize it easily with add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or spices.

This Is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it uses everyday ingredients to create something extraordinary. It’s economical, delicious, and universally loved. Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, banana bread never disappoints. It's also perfect for meal prepping, as it stores and freezes beautifully. Once you try this version, it may become your go-to banana bread recipe.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 280 calories per slice (varies slightly depending on mix-ins)

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted or softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for deeper flavor

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla.
5. Add mashed bananas and stir to combine.
6. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined.
7. Fold in walnuts evenly.
8. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Add extra walnuts on top if desired.
10. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Cool completely before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Grease the loaf pan or line with parchment to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well blended.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugar

Combine melted or softened butter with sugar until smooth.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Add Bananas

Mash bananas until smooth and fold into the mixture.

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Add Walnuts

Stir in walnuts evenly throughout the batter.

Step 8: Bake

Bake until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for best texture.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Spread with butter, honey, or cream cheese.
• Pair with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.
• Warm slices in the microwave for 10 seconds to refresh.
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter; it makes the bread dense.
• Toast the walnuts for richer flavor.
• For extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt.
• Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Replace half the walnuts with chocolate chips or add 1 cup of them.

Banana Nutmeg Bread

Increase spices with nutmeg, cloves, and allspice for a warm, spiced version.

Banana Bread with Raisins

Add 1/2 cup raisins soaked in warm water for extra moisture.

Banana Coconut Bread

Add 1 cup shredded coconut and a splash of coconut extract.

Banana Oat Banana Bread

Replace 1/2 cup flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.

Freezing and Storage Time

Storage

• Store at room temperature for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days, wrapped tightly to prevent drying.

Freezing

• Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for quick thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon is a comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully moist treat that brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the warm aroma of cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it freshly baked, toasted, or frozen for later, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every warm and delicious slice.