Best Walnut & Raisin Banana Bread

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Best Walnut & Raisin Banana Bread

Moist • Dense • Naturally Sweet • Nutty Crunch

This classic Walnut & Raisin Banana Bread is rich, moist, and deeply flavorful. Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and softness, while toasted walnuts add crunch and raisins bring gentle bursts of sweetness. This loaf is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a comforting homemade snack.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Uses very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture

  • Balanced fat and sugar for a soft yet sturdy crumb

  • Toasted walnuts enhance aroma and texture

  • Gentle mixing prevents a tough loaf

  • Bakes evenly with a beautifully golden top

Ingredients

The Base

  • 3 ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed
    (The peels should be heavily speckled or brown)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
    (Butter adds richness and moisture)

  • ¾ cup white sugar
    (You may substitute with 1 scant cup honey for a deeper flavor)

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
    (One egg keeps the bread soft and tender)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • A pinch of salt

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted

The Mix-Ins

  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted

  • ½ cup raisins
    (Soak in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry for plumpness)

Equipment Needed

  • 4×8-inch loaf pan

  • Mixing bowls

  • Whisk or spoon

  • Rubber spatula

  • Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)

  • Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray

  • Optionally line with parchment paper for easy removal

2. Toast the Walnuts

  • Place chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat

  • Stir frequently for 3–5 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant

  • Remove from heat and allow to cool completely

Tip: Toasting walnuts brings out their natural oils and enhances flavor.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar

  • Beat until smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy

This step helps create a soft crumb.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in the beaten egg until fully incorporated

  • Add vanilla extract

  • Mix in mashed bananas until smooth and uniform

5. Add Dry Ingredients

  • Sprinkle baking soda and salt evenly over the batter

  • Gently fold in the flour using a spatula

  • Mix just until no dry flour remains

⚠️ Do not overmix — overmixing can make the bread dense

6. Fold in Walnuts and Raisins

  • Gently fold in:

    • All the raisins

    • Half of the toasted walnuts

Reserve remaining walnuts for topping.

7. Bake

  • Pour batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan

  • Sprinkle remaining walnuts on top

  • Bake for 50–60 minutes

8. Check for Doneness

  • Insert a toothpick into the center

  • It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs

If needed, bake 5 minutes longer and check again.

9. Cool Properly

  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes

  • Carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack

  • Allow to cool completely before slicing

Texture & Flavor Notes

  • Inside: moist, tender, and banana-rich

  • Top: golden with a nutty crunch

  • Flavor deepens even more the next day

Storage Tips

  • Room temperature: Wrap tightly, keeps fresh for 2 days

  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days

  • Freezer: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze up to 3 months

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