Classic Homemade Banana Bread with Walnuts and Brown Sugar

Classic Homemade Banana Bread with Walnuts and Brown Sugar

Servings

10

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

60 minutes

Calories

290

Cuisine

American

Category

Snack

Few things are as satisfying as the smell of fresh banana bread wafting through the house. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this timeless recipe is a no-fail way to turn those spotty bananas on your counter into something truly special. 


The magic lies in the balance of ingredients — rich melted butter, deep brown sugar, tangy sour cream, and a dash of cinnamon bring out the full potential of ripe bananas.


Banana bread is endlessly versatile. You can enjoy it as a snack, slice it thick for breakfast, or dress it up with a smear of butter or cream cheese. It's also the perfect vehicle for add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. 


This version leans on tradition, yielding a moist, slightly dense loaf with just the right crumb. Serve it warm, store it in the fridge, or freeze slices for later — it never disappoints.

Classic Homemade Banana Bread with Walnuts and Brown Sugar

Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/4 cup sour cream

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.

  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  4. Stir dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in walnuts if using.

  5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

  6. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

  7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Tools

Make recipe prep easier with professional-grade knives

Chikashi Set
Haruta Set
Minato Set
Browse Collection

10 Tips for when cooking this dish

  1. Use fully ripe bananas — the darker the skin, the sweeter the bread.

  2. Melted butter makes the crumb extra moist and tender.

  3. Sour cream adds tang and richness — don’t skip it.

  4. Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined.

  5. Line the loaf pan with parchment for easy removal.

  6. Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavour and texture.

  7. Check doneness with a skewer — it should come out clean.

  8. Let it cool before slicing for the best texture.

  9. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2–3 days.

  10. Banana bread freezes beautifully — slice and wrap for grab-and-go mornings.

 

Serve it with suggestions

  • A smear of cream cheese or butter

  • Fresh berries on the side

  • Coffee or hot chai

  • Toasted and topped with nut butter

  • Whipped cream and caramel drizzle for dessert

 

FAQs

Q: Can I make banana bread without sour cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.

Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Very ripe with dark brown spots — they should mash easily.

Q: Can I freeze banana bread?
A: Absolutely. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
A: Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips are popular add-ins.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: You can substitute up to 50% with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

Chef's Recommendation

"A sharp knife is your best friend in the kitchen. For recipes like this, I always reach for my Chikashi chef knife - it gives me the control and precision I need for perfect results every time."
Chef's Note: A sharp knife not only makes prep work faster but also safer - dull knives require more pressure and are more likely to slip.

Discover why our Japanese-style knife sets are trusted by home cooks and professionals alike.

Shop Professional Knives →

All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2026 © images and content by santokuknives.co.uk

Back to blog

Related Blogs

The Best Japanese Knives for Cutting Chicken & ...

The Best Japanese Knives for Entertaining & Din...

The Best Japanese Knives for BBQ & Grilling (UK...