Baking Soda: Helps neutralize acidic ingredients and supports proper browning.
Tools You’ll Need to Bake Walnut Banana Bread
Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Essential for creating the perfect bread shape and size.
Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients thoroughly.
Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly and eliminating lumps.
Spatula: Helps fold walnuts gently and transfer batter without mess.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
Toothpick: Crucial for checking bread's doneness by testing center.
Potato Masher or Fork: Helps mash bananas to smooth consistency.
How to Make Wholesome Walnut Banana Bread
Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth begins with setting the stage. Get your oven humming at a cozy 350°F and gently massage a loaf pan with a touch of olive oil.
Banana Magic Transformation of ripe bananas into a luscious base happens here. Mash those soft bananas and blend them with sweet companions like sugar, creamy almond milk, smooth olive oil, fragrant vanilla, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Dry Ingredient Symphony Gather your flour family and dance them together with rising agents and warming spices. Whisk whole wheat and all-purpose flours with baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they're perfectly integrated.
Batter Harmony Gently marry wet and dry ingredients, stirring with a light hand. Whisper to the mixture, keeping it tender and soft.
Nutty Embrace Welcome crunchy walnuts into the batter, folding them softly to maintain the bread's delicate personality.
Baking Adventure Pour the batter into the waiting pan, sprinkle extra walnuts and oats on top for a rustic crown. Slide into the warm oven and let magic happen for 42-50 minutes.
Doneness Check When a toothpick emerges clean and golden, your comfort loaf is ready to be devoured.
Banana Bread Tips for a Nutty Twist
Walnut Banana Bread Secrets
Select super ripe, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile in your bread.
Never overmix the batter; gentle folding ensures a tender, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
Lightly toast walnuts before adding to the batter to enhance their rich, warm nutty essence and bring out deeper roasted notes.
Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature, or freeze for extended enjoyment up to 3 months.
Experiment by adding dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for unexpected taste twists that elevate the classic banana bread experience.
Slice and Serve Walnut Banana Bread Beautifully
Breakfast Companion: Slice this warm, nutty bread and pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a luxurious morning treat.
Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve thin slices alongside a steaming mug of chamomile or Earl Grey tea for a cozy midday snack that comforts and satisfies.
Dessert Transformation: Elevate the bread by topping with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzling with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant sweet finish.
Gifting Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with twine for a homemade, heartwarming gift that shows personal care and culinary love.
Keeping Banana Bread Fresh and Moist
Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
Freezing Fantastic: Slice the bread before freezing, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw individual slices quickly at room temperature or gently warm in toaster oven.
Moisture Magic: Place a paper towel inside storage container to absorb excess moisture, preventing soggy bread and maintaining perfect crumb consistency.
Flavor Enhancement Trick: Wrap cooled bread in clean kitchen towel after baking to lock in moisture and develop deeper, richer taste profile during initial cooling phase.
Wholesome walnut banana bread delivers comforting home-baked goodness with rich nutty undertones. Moist crumb and warm spices create a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 cups (360 ml) whole wheat pastry flour
0.5 cups (120 ml) almond flour
2 very ripe bananas, mashed (1 cup or 240 ml)
0.5 cups (120 ml) coconut sugar, or regular sugar
0.5 cups (120 ml) chopped walnuts
2 tbsps chopped walnuts
0.75 cups (180 ml) almond milk, or any milk
0.33 cups (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, more for brushing
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsps baking powder
1.5 tbsps rolled oats
0.5 tsp sea salt
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp nutmeg
0.25 tsp baking soda
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and oil a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, ensuring complete surface coverage.
Wet Mixture Fusion: In a large bowl, vigorously mash bananas and blend with sugar, almond milk, olive oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift whole wheat and all-purpose flour together with baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, whisking to ensure uniform distribution of dry components.
Batter Assembly: Merge wet and dry mixtures with minimal stirring, incorporating ingredients just until combined to prevent overworking the batter, then gently fold in walnuts for balanced texture.
Pan Transfer and Topping: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface and garnishing with additional chopped walnuts and rolled oats to create a rustic, textured crown.
Baking Process: Position in preheated oven and bake for 45-52 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – which should emerge clean without raw batter residue.
Notes
Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor complexity.
Minimal Mixing Magic: Stir batter gently to prevent tough, dense bread; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
Nut Distribution Technique: Lightly coat chopped walnuts in flour before adding to prevent sinking to bottom during baking.
Storage Strategy: Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.