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Perfect One-Bowl Banana Walnut Bread (Easy Recipe)

one bowl banana walnut bread - featured image

This one-bowl banana walnut bread is incredibly moist, tender, and full of nutty flavor. It’s a simple, foolproof recipe that comes together in one bowl with no mixer required, making it perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 medium very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Let cool for a minute.
  3. Add sugar to the melted butter and whisk until well combined and slightly glossy.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk vigorously until smooth, pale, and slightly thickened, about 30 seconds.
  5. Add mashed bananas and whisk until fully incorporated (mixture may look curdled; this is normal).
  6. Add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon directly on top of the wet mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined (a few lumps are okay).
  7. Fold in the chopped walnuts with a few gentle strokes. Reserve a handful for topping.
  8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle reserved walnuts on top.
  9. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
  10. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment sling and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe (almost black) bananas for best flavor and sweetness. Do not over-mix the batter once flour is added to avoid a tough loaf. Toasting the walnuts before adding enhances their flavor. For clean slices, let the bread cool completely before cutting.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, one-bowl banana bread, easy banana bread, banana walnut bread, quick bread, moist banana bread