Banana Nut Bread

This Banana Nut Bread is tender and full of sweet banana flavor. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch that pairs nicely with the moist crumb of the bread. Make a loaf and enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack!

Do you like to make bread from scratch? I especially like making quick breads as they are full of simple ingredients and don’t take too much effort to whip up. And, even with my best intentions of eating them, I always seem to have some overripe bananas on my counter that are perfect for banana bread!

It seems like everyone has their favorite banana bread recipe, and I promise this one deserves a spot in your recipe book! The banana flavor shines, it’s not overly sweet, and the sour cream makes it perfectly soft and tender with a nice crust, just like banana bread should be!

Ingredients for the Best Banana Nut Bread

I might have to pick up pecans at the grocery store, but otherwise, I always have these ingredients on hand to make banana bread. Here’s what I use:

• Butter, room temperature
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Very ripe bananas (about 3 medium should be enough)
• Granulated white sugar
• Large eggs
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans

A detailed list of ingredients is included in the printable recipe card below, so make sure to check it out!

How to Make Banana Nut Bread

This banana nut bread recipe comes together pretty quickly, and it’s easy to pop it in the oven to bake while you attend to other tasks.

First, I preheat my oven to 350 degrees F, and while it heats, I prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and flour to help prevent the bread from sticking.

Next, in a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, I mash the bananas, making sure to leave a bit of texture. I often just use a fork for this.

Now I use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar in a medium bowl until it’s light and fluffy. I add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to incorporate each one fully.

I stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture until just combined. Then I add the dry ingredients, mix, and gently stir in the chopped pecans.

Finally, I pour batter into the prepared pan. I place this in the oven and bake for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. I let it cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then turn the bread out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

It’s so hard not to eat it right away! But it slices much better if you let it cool down.

FAQs

Do I have to make this Banana Bread with nuts?

Of course not! If you don’t like nuts, leave them out. It will only change the texture, not the flavor or anything else.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes you can! Both provide a nice crunchy texture in the banana bread, so use your favorite type of nut.

What other mix-ins could I add?

Chocolate chips go well in banana bread, as does shredded coconut (sweetened).  I personally like my banana bread pretty simple, but you could also add in dried fruit or seeds. Someone I know has even made Quinoa Banana Bread to give it some additional protein!

Can I use a different-sized loaf pan?

Yes. A smaller pan will produce a taller loaf, while a large pan will give you a flatter loaf. Also, the cook time will change, so the toothpick test is super important!

How do I store Banana Nut Bread?

I keep mine wrapped in foil on the counter for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can put it in the fridge (up to a week). Freeze banana bread for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag or other airtight container.

Favorite Banana Recipes

• These fluffy Banana Pancakes are the key to my family’s heart! These pancakes are made with fresh ingredients and are chock-full of flavor. You’ll never want to make pancakes from a mix once you’ve had these amazing pancakes!
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are tender and sweet, with a moist crumb and milk chocolate chips that melt in your mouth with each bite! It tastes like your favorite banana bread, but bite-sized! These muffins make the perfect quick breakfast or afternoon snack!

More Quick Breads You Can Bake

If you enjoyed this Banana Nut Bread, then you might like some of my other quick bread recipes too:

• Enjoy a warm loaf of this homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread any time of the year! Who says pumpkin is only for fall? Make a batch of this delightful bread whenever you are craving the warm spices of pumpkin bread. This quick bread recipe adds a twist with melty chocolate chips and optional crunchy pecans, too!
• This Triple Berry Bread is bursting with flavor from fresh summer berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. It’s perfect for everyone in your whole family and is the best summer quick bread.
• Zucchini Apple Bread is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. This hearty bread is perfect for a deliciously filling breakfast or with afternoon tea.

Did you make Banana Nut Bread? If so, let me know what you think in a comment or recipe review below, and come back soon for more easy recipes!

This post was originally published October 22, 2012. It has been updated with pictures and in format on April 30, 2026.