There’s something incredibly rewarding about harvesting ingredients straight from your own bit of Britain! If you’re lucky enough to have walnut trees, the experience of picking fresh walnuts, cracking them open, and incorporating them into your cooking adds a unique, personal touch to your meals. One of the best ways to use these homegrown gems is in a classic banana bread. This Walnut and Banana Bread recipe pairs the rich, buttery flavour of walnuts with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas for a loaf that’s moist, flavourful, and perfect for any time of day.

Banana bread is a timeless favourite, and when you add the crunch and nutty depth of walnuts, it becomes something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, this recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make!

Recipe Overview:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup (75g) melted butter (unsalted or salted)
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (adjust to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (freshly harvested if possible!)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your oven and pan:

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

2. Mash the bananas:

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. This is the base of your bread and gives it the characteristic moisture and sweetness.

3. Mix the wet ingredients:

Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined. Then mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

4. Incorporate the dry ingredients:

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Slowly fold in the flour until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.

5. Add the walnuts:

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. If you prefer a little extra crunch, you can reserve a small handful of walnuts to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking.

6. Pour the batter into the pan:

Transfer the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake:

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Depending on your oven, you may need to check for doneness a few minutes early or leave it in for an extra 5 minutes.

8. Cool and serve:

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Walnut and Banana Bread:

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel.
• Fresh walnuts: If you’re picking and cracking your own walnuts, make sure they’re fully dried before adding them to the batter. Fresh walnuts have an extra buttery taste that pairs beautifully with banana bread.
• Add-ins: While walnuts are the star here, you can get creative with other additions like chocolate chips, raisins, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spiced version.

Storage:

This bread keeps well at room temperature, wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick treat.

Why Homemade is Best:

One of the greatest joys of making this bread is that it feels personal—especially if you’re using ingredients you’ve picked yourself. The act of shelling walnuts and mixing them into the batter creates a connection to the food you’re making, and the result is so much more than just a loaf of banana bread. It’s a reflection of your home, your effort, and the care you put into each slice.

Whether you enjoy this walnut and banana bread fresh out of the oven or toasted with a smear of butter, each bite is a reminder that simple ingredients—especially when homegrown—can come together to make something wonderful.