Good butter and freshly toasted walnuts pull this above the usual mushy loaf, and truly overripe bananas are non-negotiable. Reach for the ones that have gone black-spotted and soft to the touch. The browner the banana, the sweeter and more banana-forward the finished bread.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook60 min
Makes1 loaf
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten · tree nuts
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1loaf
All-purpose flour
A good unbleached flour gives the loaf its structure.
Black-spotted, very soft bananas — the riper the better.
3 large
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Heat the ovenHeat the oven to 350F and butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.
Toast the walnutsToast the chopped walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Mash and mixMash the bananas smooth, then whisk in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Fold in the flourStir together the flour with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then fold into the wet just until combined. Fold in the walnuts. Do not overmix.
BakeScrape into the pan and bake 55 to 65 minutes, until deep brown and a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan 15 minutes before turning out.
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Banana Bread? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Banana Bread ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Banana Bread gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Banana Bread vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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