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: Modern Meals

Ever since I first tried making banana bread, I’ve been hooked! There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of ripe bananas mixing with pecans baking in the oven. We love how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and nutty flavor, creating a loaf that’s great for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. I appreciate that it's simple enough for beginners but allows for little tweaks to match personal preferences.

Created by

Theodora Blythe

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:57:34.688Z

My journey into the world of baking really took off when I decided to whip up a batch of banana bread with pecans. As I mixed the ingredients, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the fusion of flavors. Using overripe bananas gives this bread its natural sweetness, which I find is key. The pecans add a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist texture of the bread.

After baking, the aroma wafted through my kitchen, tempting everyone nearby to take a slice. A little tip I discovered along the way is to not overmix the batter, as this leads to a denser loaf. Instead, I gently folded the ingredients together until just combined, which allowed the banana bread to rise perfectly!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The warm, nutty flavor of pecans complements the sweet bananas.
A moist texture with a golden crust that is simply irresistible.
Pair it with butter or cream cheese for an extra treat!

      

Understanding Bananas in Baking

The type of bananas you use can significantly affect the flavor and texture of your banana bread. Always opt for very ripe bananas with brown spots; their higher sugar content enhances sweetness and adds moisture. If you only have yellow bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. The more mashed they are, the better they incorporate into the batter, creating a uniform blend that enhances that rich banana flavor.

Additionally, the moisture content in bananas helps to create a tender crumb, a key element in great banana bread. If you're looking to experiment, consider using half mashed bananas and half applesauce; this will maintain the moisture while slightly reducing the banana flavor. Just remember to adjust the sugar as applesauce can add sweetness.

Perfecting the Texture

Getting the texture just right is crucial for banana bread. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, while undermixing may leave dry flour pockets. When adding the flour, mix gently until just combined—leaving a few lumps is perfectly fine. You'll know you’ve mixed enough when the batter has a thick, slightly glossy appearance before adding the pecans.

The addition of chopped pecans not only introduces a delightful crunch but also enhances the bread's overall moisture. For a more uniform distribution, consider toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This step boosts their flavor and helps them stand out within the bread.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious banana bread!

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

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get baking!

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps for the perfect banana bread.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar and Egg

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and gently fold until just incorporated, then mix in the chopped pecans.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your banana bread with pecans is now ready to enjoy! Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own.

Pro Tips

Try using different nuts or adding chocolate chips for a unique twist on this classic recipe!

Making Ahead and Storage

Banana bread can easily be made a day in advance. In fact, many homebakers claim it tastes even better after sitting for a while, as the flavors meld together. After baking, let the banana bread cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent dryness. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week.

If you want to enjoy slices later, banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. To serve, simply thaw the slices at room temperature or reheat them in a toaster oven for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread comes out too dense, it may have been overmixed or overbaked. Ensure you're mixing just until the flour is incorporated, and use an oven thermometer to double-check your oven's temperature accuracy—ovens can often run hotter than the dial indicates. For an undercooked loaf, consider lowering the temperature slightly and extending the baking time, checking for doneness with a toothpick every 5 minutes after the initial 60 minutes.

Another common issue is bread that sticks to the pan. To avoid this, make sure to grease your loaf pan generously with butter or cooking spray, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy release. If your bread doesn't rise well, double-check your baking soda's freshness; it should bubble vigorously when mixed with acidic ingredients like bananas or yogurt.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store banana bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add to my banana bread?

You can add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.