Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort bake, you’ve got to try this Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe. I absolutely love how this banana bread comes out perfectly tender and rich, with just the right balance of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors. Whether you’re a banana bread newbie or a seasoned pro, stick around — I’m sharing all my best tips to ensure you get that ideal moist crumb that keeps everyone asking for more!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe really starts with using very ripe bananas—they bring incredible natural sweetness and moisture. I usually grab organic walnuts and raisins for the best flavor and texture, but you can swap them too if you like.

• Bananas: Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or nearly black for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the natural banana sweetness without making it too heavy.
• Eggs: Lightly beaten to help bind everything together.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, giving structure without making it dense.
• Baking Soda: Key leavening agent that helps the bread rise and stay tender.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely warm note that complements the bananas perfectly.
• Walnuts: Toasted lightly to bring out their natural oils and crunch.
• Raisins: Adds moist pops of fruity sweetness throughout the bread.

Variations

I’m all about making this Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe your own. Sometimes I swap out walnuts for pecans or add a handful of dark chocolate chips to turn it into a bit of a dessert. Don’t be afraid to experiment — that’s part of the fun!

• Nut-Free Variation: Once I made this for a friend with nut allergies and swapped the walnuts for toasted pumpkin seeds — still delicious and crunchy.
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve tried using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and it turned out great though the texture was slightly different.
• Spiced Up: Adding 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg gives this bread a cozy, autumnal vibe that my family loves in the cooler months.

How to Make Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Toast the Walnuts

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, lightly grease and flour your loaf pan—this step prevents sticking and helps your bread come out beautifully. Next, toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This quick step wakes up their flavor and gives you that subtle crunch you want in the finished loaf. Once toasted, coarsely chop the walnuts and set them aside to cool while you work on the batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming air into the butter helps create a tender texture once baked. If you’ve ever skipped this step or didn’t cream long enough, you’ll notice a denser loaf, so don’t rush this part!

Step 3: Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re chunky like applesauce—I like to leave a few small lumps for texture. Add the mashed bananas and lightly beaten eggs to your creamed butter and sugar, mixing until everything is well blended. This step is key for distributing moisture evenly, so mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Then, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. You’ll want to mix just until there are no visible streaks of flour—overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread tough. At this stage, add the vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, and raisins, folding them evenly into the batter.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, but start checking around 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re done! Avoid overbaking, which can dry out this otherwise moist banana bread. Once out of the oven, let the loaf rest for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread set without becoming soggy.

How to Serve Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple: just a thin spread of butter or a little cream cheese on each slice, which balances out the sweetness beautifully. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top for a rustic touch before serving.

Side Dishes

This banana bread is perfect alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea, especially for weekend brunch. I’ve also served it with fresh fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast that completes the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like birthdays or small gatherings, I slice the banana bread and arrange the pieces on a wooden board with little bowls of walnuts, raisins, and honey nearby for guests to customize. Another fun idea is to cut thick slices and sandwich a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey between two slices—banana bread ice cream sandwiches, anyone?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover banana bread stays wonderfully moist when stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually keep it on the counter for up to three days, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration helps extend freshness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen sliced banana bread by wrapping each slice in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just one slice at a time, and it defrosts quickly—perfect for a last-minute treat or breakfast on busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the toaster oven or microwave them for about 20 seconds until warm. A quick swipe of butter right after reheating takes it to the next level and revives that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Moist Banana Bread with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for years—it’s the kind of recipe I pull out when I want to feel cozy or impress family and friends with minimal effort. It’s forgiving, straightforward, and yields such a satisfying loaf every single time. If you love a moist, flavorful banana bread packed with a delightful crunch and chewy bursts of raisins, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try. You’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, just like I do!

Print