Banana Bread with Pecans Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Highlighted under: Daily Collection

I love making this banana bread with pecans because it's a quick and comforting treat that always reminds me of home. The ripe bananas create a deliciously moist bread, while the toasted pecans add a delightful crunch that elevates the overall flavor. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I have overripe bananas waiting to be used, and I can’t resist the warm aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and it never lasts long in our house!

Created by

Helena Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:33:34.891Z

When I first made this banana bread, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to put together. I had some overripe bananas on the counter and decided to mix them into a quick batter. The addition of pecans gave it a satisfying crunch that proved to be a wonderful complement to the moist texture of the bread. Baking it resulted in a golden crust that had my family gathered around as soon as it came out of the oven.

Since that first attempt, I’ve experimented with different spices and additions like cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, but the classic combination remains my favorite. I always make sure to slightly underbake it for that perfectly soft crumb that keeps it tender day after day. Don’t forget to let it cool before slicing; that’s the hardest part!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Rich banana flavor balanced with crunchy pecans
Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
A delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of day

      

The Role of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is crucial for achieving the moist and flavorful bread you desire. They should ideally be speckled with brown spots and soft to the touch. This indicates that the sugars within have developed, providing natural sweetness and flavor without needing to add excessive sugar. If you only have slightly ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two until they’re ready.

The consistency of the mashed bananas also impacts the final texture of your bread. Aim for a smooth, consistent mash; if it’s too chunky, the banana pieces may create uneven textures in the loaf. Use a fork or potato masher to start, and if you prefer even smoother bread, consider using an immersion blender for a few seconds to achieve that desired creaminess.

Getting the Perfect Bake

When baking your banana bread, the temperature and duration are key for a perfect loaf. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, as oven temperatures can vary. Your banana bread should bake for about 60 minutes; however, start checking at the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s done, but if it’s covered in batter, it needs more time.

After baking, resist the urge to cut into the bread right away. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to stabilize before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time helps prevent a gummy texture and allows the flavors to deepen as it rests. For best results, slice it only once it has cooled completely.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious banana bread.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Make sure everything is fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to whip up your banana bread.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8-inch loaf pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the baking soda and salt into the flour.

Combine Mixtures

Stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix! Fold in the chopped pecans.

Bake

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For even added flavor, try using half brown sugar for a richer taste, or add chocolate chips for a delightful twist!

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil once it's completely cooled. Store it at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Slice the bread and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the toaster or microwave.

Remember that the bread may dry out a little when frozen, so it’s excellent served warm with a dab of butter or a spread of cream cheese to add back some moisture. This not only enhances the flavor but rounds out the overall experience of enjoying your banana bread.

Variations and Add-Ins

While this recipe is delicious as is, don't hesitate to experiment with flavors! You can mix in a half-cup of chocolate chips for a delightful twist, or substitute some of the flour with whole wheat or almond flour for a healthier option. If you want to enhance the spices, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the aroma and flavor profile beautifully.

Another fun variation is incorporating fruits, like diced apples or blueberries, for added nutrition and flavor complexity. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly as additional moisture from these fruits can alter the baking dynamics. A general rule of thumb is to start checking for doneness about 5-10 minutes earlier than you normally would.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw the bananas first and drain any excess liquid before using.

→ How should I store banana bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I make it more flavorful?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in some chocolate chips or dried fruits.