There’s something about a warm slice of banana bread with nuts and raisins that feels like a hug from the past. Whether it’s a nostalgic treat from childhood or a cozy weekend baking project, this old-fashioned banana nut bread is the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and slightly chewy goodness. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This banana nut raisin bread is a tried-and-true favorite in my home. It’s moist, packed with flavor, and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. The combination of bananas, walnuts, and raisins adds texture and depth, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma—trust me, your family will come running!
The Ingredients You Need to Prepare This Recipe
For the Bread:
- Walnuts – Lightly toasted for a rich, nutty flavor and added crunch.
- All-purpose flour – The base that gives the bread structure and softness.
- Baking soda – Helps the bread rise for a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon (optional) – Adds a warm, subtle spice that pairs beautifully with bananas.
- Unsalted butter – Melted for a moist and tender crumb.
- Bananas – Very ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a rich banana flavor.
- Soft brown sugar – Provides moisture and a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
- Large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream – Keeps the bread ultra-moist and tender.
- Raisins – Adds a chewy texture and bursts of natural sweetness.
SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE
Incorporating walnuts and raisins into your diet offers numerous health benefits. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that support heart and brain health. Raisins provide fiber and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. For more detailed information, you can refer to these reputable sources:Verywell Health
- Health Benefits of Walnuts.
- Nutritional Benefits of Raisins.
Step-by-Step: Let’s Bake Banana Bread with Nuts and Raisins!
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Fire up that oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper—because nobody enjoys scraping stuck-on banana bread!
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
Grab a small dry pan and toss in the walnuts. Toast them over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them—nuts have a sneaky way of going from “perfect” to “burnt” in seconds! Once done, set them aside to cool.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon (if using), and baking soda. This ensures everything is evenly distributed—because no one wants surprise clumps of baking soda in their bite!
Step 4: Mash & Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, grab your ripe bananas and mash them like you’re stress-relieving (but gently). Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until smooth—this is where the magic starts!
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix—think of it like giving the batter a soft hug, not a full-on arm workout. Overmixing can make your bread dense instead of tender.
Step 6: Add Walnuts & Raisins
Time for the fun part! Fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. Every bite deserves a little crunch and sweetness!
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and, for a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top springs back when touched and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack for another 20 minutes before slicing. (Good luck waiting—it smells amazing.) Now, slice, serve, and enjoy every warm, nutty, raisin-filled bite!
Tips for a Successful Banana Nut Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense instead of light and tender.
- Customize It: Swap walnuts for pecans, or add a handful of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Storage Tips: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Similar Recipes
Love this banana nut raisin bread? Why stop here? If you’re looking to switch things up while keeping that same cozy, homemade goodness, try these other delicious bakes:
- Moist Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips – A chocolatey twist on the classic banana bread, perfect for dessert or an indulgent breakfast.
- Classic Walnut Bread – A hearty, nutty loaf that pairs beautifully with a pat of butter and a hot cup of coffee.
- Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread – If you love the warm spice of cinnamon and the chewiness of raisins, this bread is a must-try.
Each of these recipes brings something unique to the table while keeping that comforting homemade taste. Give them a try and discover your next favorite bake!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work great in this recipe.
Can I make this banana bread with nuts and raisins gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I store banana nut bread?
Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for quick and easy snacks!
Baking banana bread with nuts and raisins is like baking up pure comfort. Whether you’re enjoying a warm slice with a cup of coffee or packing it for a road trip snack, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
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Join the Banana Bread Lovers Club!
I love hearing from you! If you try this Banana Bread with Nuts and Raisins, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you make any fun tweaks? Maybe added a handful of chocolate chips or swapped walnuts for pecans? Let’s chat about it—I read every comment and truly enjoy your baking stories!
And if you’re as obsessed with banana bread as I am, come join me on Pinterest for more delicious banana bread recipes and baking inspiration. You can also explore even more comforting, homemade recipes over on EatsRecipe.com. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share a slice (or at least a picture) with us! 🍌💛
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Banana Bread with Nuts and Raisins
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
This banana bread with nuts and raisins is the perfect blend of moist, nutty, and naturally sweet flavors. Packed with toasted walnuts, juicy raisins, and warm cinnamon, this homemade classic is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a cozy treat with coffee. It’s easy to make and fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma!
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup walnut pieces, roughly chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2/3 cup soft brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
- In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the walnut pieces for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be gentle—overmixing can make the bread dense!
Step 6: Add Walnuts & Raisins
- Fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins evenly throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for extra crunch (optional). Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Wait 20 minutes before slicing (if you can resist!). Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1slice
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 253mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 57mg
Keywords: Banana bread, Raisins, Walnuts