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 chopped pecans

Highlighted under: Soft Recipes

I absolutely love baking banana bread, especially when it’s infused with the delightful crunch of pecans. The sweet aroma fills my kitchen as it bakes, reminding me of warm family gatherings. This recipe has become a staple in my home, bringing comfort and joy with every slice. With just the right balance of sweetness and nuttiness, it’s the perfect way to use overripe bananas. I appreciate how simple the ingredients are and how quick it is to whip up, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Created by

Aileen Prescott

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:33:34.449Z

Whenever I bake banana bread with pecans, I think back to the first time I experimented with this recipe. It was a gloomy afternoon, and I wanted to create something cozy. The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy pecans turned out to be a hit with everyone in the family. I discovered that to enhance flavor, toasting the pecans slightly before adding them gives a wonderful depth to the bread.

I also learned that the key to moist banana bread is not to overmix the batter. By folding the ingredients gently, the bread rises beautifully and has a lovely, tender crumb. Now, it’s become my go-to recipe whenever I have overripe bananas that need to be used up!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and crunchy pecans is irresistibly comforting.
It's a simple recipe that yields a moist and flavorful loaf every time.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making it a versatile addition to any table.

      

Understanding the Role of Ingredients

Every ingredient in this banana bread recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The ripe bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also keep the loaf moist and tender. Ideally, you should use bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots for the best flavor profile. The addition of melted butter contributes richness, while the baking soda aids in the bread rising and creating a light, airy structure. Pay attention to the freshness of your baking soda, as using expired leavening agents can result in a dense loaf.

Chopped pecans add delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the banana bread. If you find yourself without pecans, walnuts can be a great substitute, offering a similar texture. Additionally, you can experiment with the proportions of nuts for a more hearty texture, but be cautious not to overpower the banana flavor. Using too many nuts might change the moistness balance, leading to a drier bread.

Baking Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

One of the keys to successful banana bread is not overmixing the batter. Once you add the flour, fold it in gently until just incorporated to avoid developing gluten, which can lead to a tough loaf. The batter should have streaks of flour visible; it’s perfectly okay if it looks a bit lumpy. Also, a well-preheated oven is essential—this ensures that the bread rises quickly in the initial stage of baking, giving it that beautiful dome shape.

For even baking, place the loaf pan in the center of the oven. If you notice that the top of the bread darkens too quickly, using aluminum foil to tent the top during the last 15 minutes of baking can prevent it from burning while the inside continues to bake. It’s also good practice to check for doneness at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the loaf.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

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 chopped pecans

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, add the flour and fold in the chopped pecans until just combined.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips

Make sure to use ripe bananas as they provide the best flavor and sweetness for the bread. You can also add chocolate chips or walnuts for a delicious twist!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep banana bread fresh, store it at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay moist for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing slices individually. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored this way for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it into the toaster for a quick heat-up with that freshly baked taste.

Alternatively, consider making the batter a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat. Be aware that the batter may darken if stored too long due to the enzymes in bananas, but this won’t affect its flavor or texture for your baking.

Flavor Variations to Try

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for additional warmth and a hint of spice. About half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon can beautifully complement the bananas without overpowering them. You could also add chocolate chips or dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, for a sweeter touch and extra texture.

Another fun variation is to include a tablespoon of peanut butter or cookie butter into the batter for a nutty richness. This can hold true if you're reducing the sugar a bit, as these spreads add their own sweetness. Just ensure that you mix in these ingredients appropriately so the consistency remains forgiving enough to rise nicely.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even omit nuts altogether if preferred.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, which will work well in this recipe.