Banana Walnut Loaf Cake

This Banana Walnut Loaf Cake is a classic, moist, and flavorful treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s an ideal option for breakfast, a midday snack, or a comforting dessert. Whether you’re baking for guests or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this loaf cake never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines simplicity and richness in one loaf. The naturally sweet and moist texture from overripe bananas requires no fancy ingredients, and the chopped walnuts add just the right amount of crunch and depth. It’s a great way to use leftover bananas and is incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Plus, it stays moist for days, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ripe bananas

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Unsalted butter or oil

• Baking soda

• Vanilla extract

• Salt

• Chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

3. Add the eggs, melted butter (or oil), vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just incorporated.

6. Fold in the chopped walnuts gently.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8–10 slices and takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, with a baking time of 50–60 minutes. Cooling time is an additional 15–20 minutes.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Loaf: Substitute half of the walnuts with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter or oil alternative.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

• Spiced Version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warming flavor boost.

• Banana Nut Muffins: Use the same batter for muffins and reduce the baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

To store, wrap the banana walnut loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For longer storage, freeze the loaf (whole or sliced) wrapped in foil and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter.

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for banana loaf cake?

The best bananas are heavily speckled or even turning black on the outside. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter.

Can I omit the walnuts?

Absolutely. The loaf will still be delicious without walnuts, though you can replace them with other mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, though the texture may be slightly denser. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

Why did my banana loaf sink in the middle?

This can happen if the batter is overmixed or the loaf was underbaked. Always check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and a slightly moister crumb.

Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?

Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch, but it’s optional.

How do I make this loaf more moist?

Using very ripe bananas and not overbaking are key. You can also add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.

Can I make this recipe into mini loaves?

Yes, divide the batter into mini loaf pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes, checking for doneness.

How long should I cool the loaf before slicing?

Let the loaf cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling and to let the flavors settle.

Conclusion

This Banana Walnut Loaf Cake is a timeless recipe that delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture with minimal effort. Whether served fresh out of the oven or enjoyed the next day, it’s a dependable and delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Perfectly sweet, lightly nutty, and endlessly versatile, it’s a must-try for any home baker.