Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe

If you love the cozy, nostalgic taste of homemade banana bread, then you’re going to adore this Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of sweet ripe bananas, crunchy toasted walnuts, and chewy raisins that create a symphony of textures in every bite. I absolutely love how moist and flavorful this bread turns out—plus, it’s so straightforward to whip up, making it a go-to whenever I’ve got overripe bananas on the counter. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to make sure your banana bread is a smashing success every time!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe is how each ingredient complements the others to create deep, rich flavors and great texture. I always recommend picking the ripest bananas you can find—they’re the secret to that perfect banana sweetness and moisture.

• Very ripe bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash easier, providing natural moisture and banana flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams smoothly; avoid melted butter here to keep the texture right.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the natural banana sweetness and adds a slight crunch to the crust.
• Large eggs: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; I find sifting it helps keep the bread light.
• Baking soda: The leavening agent that makes this banana bread rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
• Walnuts: Lightly toasted for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Raisins: Adds a lovely chewy burst of sweetness in each slice.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or who I’m serving it to. You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs—feel free to experiment and find your perfect combo!

• Nut-Free: I’ve made this by skipping the walnuts and tossing in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead, and it’s just as tasty without nuts.
• Extra Fruity: Sometimes I add dried cranberries or chopped dates in place of raisins for a slightly different flavor profile my family enjoys.
• Healthier Swap: Using whole wheat pastry flour or part oats in place of some all-purpose flour adds a bit more fiber without sacrificing texture.
• Honey Instead of Sugar: I discovered this trick when I wanted a more natural sweetener—just reduce the sugar and add honey for a lovely depth of flavor.

How to Make Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Toast the Walnuts

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then grease and lightly flour a standard loaf pan (about 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 inches). Trust me, this helps the bread slip right out once baked. Next, toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep stirring them constantly for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly golden—burnt nuts will add bitterness, so watch closely! Once toasted, chop them coarsely and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Mash Bananas

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. I like using a hand mixer here—it saves me elbow grease! Meanwhile, mash your bananas with a fork until you get a chunky applesauce consistency (no lumps, but don’t over-puree). This texture is the secret to keeping your banana bread moist and tender.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the mashed bananas and lightly beaten eggs to your buttery mixture and stir gently until everything is well blended. Don’t overmix here—you want the batter combined but still airy for the best rise.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed so your bread bakes uniformly. Slowly add these dry ingredients into the banana mixture, folding gently until just combined. Resist the urge to stir too much—overmixing can lead to dense bread.

Step 5: Add Vanilla, Nuts, and Raisins

Now stir in the vanilla extract, toasted walnuts, and raisins. These little bursts of flavor and texture really make this banana bread stand out. Once everything’s evenly incorporated, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Perfectly Moist

Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 to 60 minutes. Start checking around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes. Once done, let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps maintain moisture and prevents sogginess.

How to Serve Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping slices with just a little bit of softened butter or cream cheese for spreading—it melts into the warm bread beautifully. For a sweet touch, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar works wonders. If you want a cozy café-style treat, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea, making it my favorite breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more substantial brunch, I like serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt topped with granola. It’s balanced, comforting, and hits every craving spot.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried cutting the bread into small, bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter with little skewers alongside nuts and berries. It’s perfect for brunch parties or baby showers. Another time, I layered slices with mascarpone and fresh strawberries to turn it into a quick dessert everyone raved about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap my leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it fresh and moist for up to 3 days. If you want it longer, refrigeration works, but it can dry out a bit—just bring it back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

Freezing banana bread is a lifesaver for me. I slice it before freezing and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. This way, I can pull out just what I need without thawing the whole loaf. It stays great for up to 3 months!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm it lightly in a toaster oven. This revives the bread’s softness and lets the flavors shine like fresh-baked. Adding a pat of butter while warm is my personal favorite finishing touch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. I still remember the first time I nailed this recipe; the aroma filled my house, and my family went crazy for it! It’s dependable, delicious, and perfect for any time you want that homemade comfort food fix. Give it a try, and I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too.

Print