Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe

My daughter begged for a huge bunch on bananas last week, with promises that she would eat every single one of them. Well, 6 days later, guess what? We had 4 very ripe bananas left, that were not going to get eaten. I hate wasting money so I had to think of something to do with them! It occurred to me that I have never tried to make banana nut bread! 

Also, make sure to check out my tips below for what to do with overripe bananas!

Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Now I have to admit something, I am NOT a baker. I don’t have a fancy mixer (although I do stare at them longingly in the store..) and I love my cakes from a box. When I looked up banana nut bread recipes a lot of them called for “cutting in cold butter” and other things that just weren’t going to work for me, and I got to thinking that it probably doesn’t for a lot of other people either, so I wanted to share this Super Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe with you guys! It takes about 5 minutes of prep, and 25 minutes in the oven, that’s it!

Here is what you will need to make this Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe

•  4 very ripe bananas
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nut of your choice (I used pecans, because that is what I had lol)

Here is how to make this Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe

First, Peel and mash your bananas in a large bowl. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Next, add in your egg, sugar, salt, baking soda, butter and vanilla. Stir to mix well.

Then, Add in your flour a little a a time and stir. Mix really well to make sure it is all together.

Then, add in your nuts and stir. Pour in a loaf pan (I suggest putting parchment paper down first, easier clean up) in bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Last, take your bread out and allow to cool. Slice, and serve!

This recipe was a huge hit in my house, and I’ve already had to make 2 more loaves for my family!

What I love most about this Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe is that it proves made from scratch recipes don’t have to be hard! What is your favorite bread recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

Make sure to also try my Pressure Cooker Banana Bread Recipe

What Can You Do with Ripe Bananas?

Are overripe bananas good for cooking?

Do you have a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter and wondering what to do with them? Don’t throw them away! Overripe bananas are actually perfect for baking and cooking, and there are plenty of ways to use them up.

What to Do with Overripe Bananas?

Here are some delicious and creative ways to use up those overripe bananas:

Banana bread

Banana bread is a classic way to use up overripe bananas. It’s easy to make, and the ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. You can find plenty of banana bread recipes online, from classic versions to variations with chocolate chips, nuts, or spices.

Banana pancakes

Pancakes are a perfect weekend breakfast, and adding mashed bananas to the batter takes them to a whole new level. The bananas make the pancakes fluffy and moist, and they pair perfectly with maple syrup or honey.

Here’s a simple banana pancakes recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Maple syrup and sliced bananas, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until it’s smooth.
2. Add the egg and whisk until it’s fully incorporated with the banana.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl and mix until everything is just combined.
4. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring the batter until it’s smooth.
5. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
6. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the batter onto the pan to make pancakes.
7. Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve the pancakes hot with maple syrup and sliced bananas on top.

Banana smoothie

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing and healthy drink, blend up some overripe bananas with yogurt, milk, and a handful of ice cubes. You can also add other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mango for a more complex flavor. 

See my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe

Banana ice cream

You don’t need an ice cream maker to make delicious banana ice cream. All you need is some ripe bananas, a blender, and a freezer. Simply blend the bananas until they’re smooth and creamy, then freeze the mixture for a few hours until it’s scoopable.

Here’s another easy banana ice cream recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 2 hours or until they are completely frozen.
2. Add the frozen banana slices to a food processor or blender and blend until the bananas are broken down into small pieces.
3. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the blender and continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
5. Once the mixture is smooth, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours or until it’s firm.
6. Scoop the banana ice cream into bowls and serve.

Optional: You can also add toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit to your banana ice cream.

Banana muffins

Banana muffins are a great portable snack or breakfast option, and they’re easy to make in batches. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

See my Basic Muffins Recipe

Banana pudding

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and comforting. You can make it from scratch with vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and sliced bananas, or use a shortcut with instant pudding mix.

Banana oatmeal

Oatmeal is a healthy and filling breakfast option, and adding mashed bananas to the pot makes it even more delicious. The bananas add natural sweetness and flavor, and they pair well with toppings like cinnamon, nuts, and maple syrup.

Banana chips

If you’re looking for a crunchy and salty snack, try making your own banana chips. Simply slice the bananas thinly, brush them with lemon juice to prevent browning, and bake them in the oven until crispy.

As you can see, overripe bananas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. So next time you have some bananas that are past their prime, don’t throw them away. Instead, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the sweet, delicious fruits in new and exciting ways.

Should overripe bananas be refrigerated?

If you have overripe bananas and you’re not planning to use them right away, you might be wondering whether to refrigerate them or not. The answer is that it depends on your preference.

If you like your bananas cold and are planning to eat them within a day or two, you can refrigerate them. However, if you prefer room temperature bananas or if you’re planning to use them in baking, it’s best to leave them on the counter.

Keep in mind that refrigerating bananas will speed up the ripening process, so if you don’t want them to get even more ripe, it’s best to avoid the fridge.

When should you not use overripe bananas?

While overripe bananas can be a delicious addition to many recipes, there are a few times when you should avoid using them. If the bananas are moldy, they’re no longer safe to eat and should be thrown away.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a firmer texture in your recipe, overripe bananas may not be the best choice as they can be quite mushy.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a less sweet flavor, overripe bananas may not be ideal since they are at their sweetest when they’re overripe. But, as long as the bananas are still good to eat, don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun in the kitchen with them!

FUN ITEMS FOR BANANA LOVERS

If you have a friend or family member who goes bananas for bananas, then I’ve got some totally a-peeling gift ideas for you! From banana-themed apparel to quirky gadgets, there’s something here for every banana-loving friend.

Emerald Bananas Socks

Banana Phone Bluetooth Handset for iPhone and Android 

Kawaii Banana Plush 

Banana-themed One Piece Romper for Men

Pretend I’m A Banana T-shirt

Banana Inflatable Costume

Banana Dog Garden Statue

Banana-Themed Hawaiian Shirt for Men

Banana Desk Lamp

Monkey on a Banana Boat Tape Dispenser

Banana Duck Garden Gnome

Banana Award Trophy

Banana Rubber Fidget Toy

Banana String Lights

Disclosure: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Looking for more great bread recipes? Check these out:

Sugar Free Banana Bread Recipe

Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake Recipe

Banana Nutella Pizza Recipe

Can You Make Bread in a Pressure Cooker

Classic Iced Lemon Bread Recipe