Baked Banana Bread with Walnuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist, naturally sweet banana bread with toasted walnuts and warm cinnamon notes, ready in under an hour. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers ripe bananas, unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 10, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 10 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas (about 1.5 cups) until smooth. Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar, then beat in 2 large eggs until well combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Add to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Banana Bread with Walnuts take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Baked Banana Bread with Walnuts?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Banana Bread with Walnuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Banana Bread with Walnuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Banana Bread with Walnuts?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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