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 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Highlighted under: Modern Recipes

Whenever I have overripe bananas, I can't resist making this delicious Banana Bread with Pecans. The aroma fills my kitchen and wraps me in comfort as it bakes. I love how the toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and richness to the moist, sweet banana base. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and it never fails to impress my friends and family. Each slice is a hug in bread form, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Created by

Naomi Ashcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:45:34.873Z

One of my fondest memories is baking banana bread on lazy Sunday mornings. I discovered that by letting the bananas get really ripe, their natural sweetness intensified, giving my bread a rich flavor. The addition of toasted pecans not only adds a crunch but also elevates the dish to something special. I remember the first time I served it to friends, and the compliments just kept coming!

After several iterations, I found the ideal balance of ingredients. It’s essential to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the bread fluffy and tender. Trust me, using fresh, high-quality vanilla extract in the batter makes a noticeable difference. This recipe has become a staple in our home, and I’m excited for you to try it!

        Reasons to Love This Recipe
        The unmistakable aroma of fresh bananas baking in the oven.
Toasted pecans lend a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft bread.
Perfectly moist and rich, making it an ideal treat for any time of day.

      

The Role of Ripe Bananas

The use of overripe bananas is crucial for achieving the sweet, rich flavor that defines this banana bread. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, which enhances not only the sweetness but also the moisture of the bread. Ideally, select bananas that are well-spotted, as they provide the best natural sweetness. If you happen to have frozen ripe bananas, simply thaw them beforehand and mash them directly into the batter—they will add the same deliciousness without any alteration in taste.

In addition to flavor, the ripeness of the bananas affects the texture of the bread. Overripe bananas create a moist crumb that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pecans. When mashing the bananas, ensure they are smooth with only a few small lumps remaining; this guarantees even flavor distribution throughout the loaf.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Baking at the right temperature is essential for this banana bread to rise correctly and achieve a golden-brown crust. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) ensures that the bread begins cooking immediately, allowing for optimal moisture retention. When placing the loaf in the oven, position it in the center for even heat circulation, avoiding the sides where hot spots may burn the edges.

During baking, keep an eye on the time but use the toothpick test as your final check: a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil halfway through; this allows the bread to continue baking without burning.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Add Flour and Nuts

Finally, add the flour and chopped pecans. Stir just until no flour streaks remain, but don’t overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Banana bread can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the batter.

Storage Tips

Once your banana bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. While it can be tempting to slice it immediately, allowing it to rest for a few hours enhances the flavors as they settle.

For longer storage, consider freezing your banana bread. Slice it first for convenient thawing later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag; it can last for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or toast slices to warm them up.

Variations to Try

Feel free to switch up your nuts! While pecans add a lovely rich flavor, walnuts or even almonds can work just as well. For an extra fruity twist, try stirring in some chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture and sweetness. Each of these variations can enhance the overall flavor profile.

If you're looking for a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and cut the sugar down by a quarter without sacrificing flavor. This yields a denser loaf while still maintaining that delicious banana flavor. You might notice the texture is slightly different, but it's still delightful!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, banana bread freezes well! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes for pecans.

→ What can I do with leftover banana bread?

Leftover banana bread can be toasted for breakfast or turned into French toast for a delicious twist!

→ How do I know when banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's done baking.