There’s something profoundly comforting about a warm, fragrant loaf of banana bread—especially when it’s packed with the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts and the sweet chewiness of plump raisins. This classic recipe elevates the humble banana bread with rich textures, nuanced flavors, and a fail-proof method that makes it ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread
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Moist and rich texture: Thanks to ripe bananas and just the right amount of fat.
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Sweet but balanced: Not overly sugary—just the natural sweetness of bananas, raisins, and a touch of brown sugar.
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Toasted walnuts: Brings a delightful crunch and aroma.
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Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
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Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert: It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
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3 large overripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups mashed)
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
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½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
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¾ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
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½ cup raisins (golden or dark)
Optional toppings:
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Extra walnut pieces
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Raw sugar for a crunchy top
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Banana slices for garnish
🔥 How to Toast Walnuts
Toasting enhances the flavor and texture of walnuts. Here’s how:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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Bake for 7–9 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
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Cool completely before adding to the batter.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Peel and mash your bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
Soak raisins in warm water or juice for 10 minutes to plump them, then drain and pat dry.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with both sugars. Whisk until well blended and slightly creamy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Fold in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Create a well in the center and pour the wet mixture into the dry. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon—do not overmix. Overmixing causes a dense loaf.
Add in the buttermilk and stir just until combined.
Step 4: Add Walnuts and Raisins
Fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins. Ensure they are evenly distributed but be gentle.
Tip: Coating the raisins in a tablespoon of flour helps keep them suspended in the batter.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle raw sugar and extra chopped walnuts on top, if desired. Add banana slices for an aesthetic garnish.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil in the last 15 minutes.
⏱️ Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Use a serrated knife for the cleanest slices.
🧊 Storage Tips
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Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Fridge: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap; lasts up to 1 week.
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Freezer: Slice and freeze individually. Wrap in foil and place in a ziplock bag. Reheat in toaster oven or microwave.
💡 Variations & Substitutions
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk.
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Nut-Free: Skip walnuts or use pumpkin/sunflower seeds.
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Add-ins: Try mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or diced dried apricots.
🧠 Tips for Success
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Use very ripe bananas: The blacker the peel, the better the flavor and sweetness.
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Don’t overmix the batter: This ensures a light, moist crumb.
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Room temperature ingredients: Help the batter mix more evenly.
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Rest before slicing: Warm banana bread is tempting, but letting it cool keeps slices neat.
📝 Nutritional Info (Per Slice, yields 10)
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Calories: ~290
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 14g
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Carbs: 38g
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Sugar: 18g
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Fiber: 2g
🍽️ How to Serve
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With a pat of butter or cream cheese.
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Warmed with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
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Topped with Greek yogurt and berries for breakfast.
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As a base for a banana bread French toast.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Best Banana Bread with Toasted Walnuts and Raisins is more than just a baked good—it’s an experience. From the cozy scent that fills your kitchen to the first bite that melts in your mouth, it’s a testament to the magic of simple ingredients done right.
Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven, toasted the next day, or frozen and reheated weeks later, it never loses its charm. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to banana bread recipe forever.
