Few things in the world of baking are as comforting and nostalgic as the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. Baked Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon is the perfect combination of homestyle comfort and bakery-level flavor.

Banana bread isn’t just a recipe — it’s an experience. It’s the smell of Sunday mornings, family gatherings, and cozy afternoons with tea or coffee. This version, enhanced with cinnamon and walnuts, turns the classic loaf into something truly special.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon because it’s simple yet extraordinary. It’s one of those recipes that requires no fancy ingredients — just ripe bananas, pantry staples, and a touch of love — but the results are pure magic.

I especially love how forgiving this recipe is — whether you add chocolate chips, swap in pecans, or make it gluten-free, it always turns out beautifully.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This banana bread is a must-try because it embodies everything great about homemade baking:

• Simple ingredients, maximum flavor.
• No mixer required — just a bowl and a whisk.
• Perfectly moist texture that never dries out.
• Versatile — can be enjoyed plain, toasted, or topped with butter or honey.
• Wholesome and satisfying, with natural sweetness from ripe bananas.

It’s also a great way to use up overripe bananas — turning something ordinary into something extraordinary.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Calories: ~270 kcal per slice
• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil for a lighter version)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
• Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips or raisins

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with a fork or potato masher.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
• Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix — a few small lumps are fine.

Step 6: Add the Walnuts

• Fold in the chopped walnuts (and chocolate chips if using).

Step 7: Pour and Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Sprinkle a few extra walnuts on top for a beautiful crunchy finish.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

• Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Enjoy plain or with:
  • A pat of butter or cream cheese
  • A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
  • A sprinkle of powdered sugar
• Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the ultimate comfort moment.
• Toast slices lightly for breakfast or use as the base for French toast!

Recipe Tips

• Use overripe bananas: The darker and spottier, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
• Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing makes the bread dense instead of tender.
• Check doneness: Every oven differs — start checking at 55 minutes.
• Cool before slicing: Cutting too soon can make the bread gummy.
• Add texture: Toast the walnuts lightly before adding to enhance their flavor.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
2. Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
3. Nut-Free Banana Bread: Skip the walnuts or replace with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
4. Banana Muffins: Pour batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes for portable treats.
5. Coconut Banana Bread: Add shredded coconut and swap cinnamon for nutmeg.
6. Vegan Banana Bread: Replace eggs with ¼ cup applesauce or flax eggs and use plant-based butter or oil.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 7 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw them first, then drain excess liquid before mashing.

Q2: Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely — you can cut the sugar to ½ cup for a less sweet version.

Q3: My banana bread sank in the middle. Why?
It might be underbaked or overmixed. Check with a toothpick and mix gently.

Q4: Can I add other nuts?
Yes! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work great too.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will remain moist and soft.

Conclusion

This Baked Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon is a timeless recipe that brings together the best of home baking — warmth, comfort, and pure satisfaction. Every slice tells a story of cozy mornings, family gatherings, and the irresistible aroma of baked bananas and cinnamon filling your home.

It’s wholesome yet indulgent, simple yet deeply flavorful — a perfect example of how the simplest ingredients can create something truly memorable. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this banana bread is sure to bring joy with every bite.