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Easy Banana Pecan Bread

This Banana Pecan Bread is soft and so good for any occasion. Made with easy ingredients, you will want to save this recipe!

Banana Bread has been a household recipe for as long as I can remember. Not only did my mama make it for us kids growing up but her mama made it too.

You knew it was going to be a good day when the smell of banana bread baking in the oven was what dragged you out of bed on a weekend. Today I’ve got a fun Banana Pecan Bread that you and the family will enjoy.

I’ve been using my family’s recipe for banana bread ever since I was allowed to cook. Of course, at first I was supervised but as the years went by I was trusted more that didn’t require my mom peeking over my shoulder every so often. Then, when I was on my own the experimenting began and little by little my own family recipe came together. 

Introducing the Banana Pecan Bread—a deliciously moist, nutty twist on your classic banana bread. This easy recipe combines the sweet, comforting flavors of overripe bananas with the rich, crunchy texture of chopped pecans, creating a loaf that’s as perfect for a cozy morning breakfast as it is for an afternoon snack. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this banana pecan bread is about to become your new go-to.

Banana Pecan Bread FAQs

Can I use butter instead of shortening? Absolutely! Unsalted butter can be used in place of shortening for a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results.

What if my bananas aren’t overripe? Overripe bananas are key for that sweet, moist bread. If your bananas aren’t there yet, you can bake them in their skins at a low temperature until they’re soft and the skins are blackened.

How can I involve my kids in making this recipe? Kids can help mash the bananas with a potato masher, mix the dry ingredients, or even stir the batter. Supervise them with the electric or hand mixer, and let them sprinkle in the pecans or pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Not that it’s anything fancy or a huge change from the original but dang, does it taste and smell delicious! Nothing makes me feel more nostalgic about my growing up years than a loaf of freshly baked banana bread using our old family recipe with my own personal touches added.

Related: 5 Ingredient Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients

  • Flour (all-purpose or whole wheat for a healthier twist)
  • Ripe bananas
  • Sugar
  • Chopped pecans
  • Eggs
  • Shortening (or unsalted butter)
  • Milk
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda

Where to Serve

This banana pecan bread is versatile enough for any occasion. Serve it up for breakfast, pack it for a lunchtime treat, or slice it up for a casual dessert at family gatherings. It’s a surefire hit for cozy weekend brunches or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storage

Wrap your completely cooled loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container to maintain its moistness. It’ll stay fresh on the counter for a few days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, slice it up and freeze it in a ziplock bag.

Even my husband, who isn’t the biggest fan of nuts, will ask for seconds of my Banana Pecan Bread. Our kids, too, will ensure that within a day of baking that there isn’t much more than a morsel left over.  With these kids it is super hard to keep any kind of baked good around the house!

This recipe is ideal for anyone who has baking essentials on hand and who has been wondering what the heck to do with bananas that are almost at the end of their shelf life. You’ll need a stand or hand-mixer (I prefer hand mixers myself) and 20 minutes to spare for prep time but after assembling the ingredients, the additional 50-60 minutes are just baking time. 

Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids

  • Banana Mashing Fun: Let the kiddos go to town mashing up those bananas. It’s a fun, mess-friendly task they’ll love.
  • Pecan Tossing: Have your little helpers add the pecans to the mix. It’s a great way for them to get involved and feel like they’re contributing to the baking process.
  • Batter Pouring: Kids can help pour the batter into the loaf pan. It’s a simple task that gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Why This Recipe Works

The Banana Pecan Bread recipe hits all the right notes for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy. With simple, straightforward steps, it’s an approachable recipe for bakers of all levels.

The combination of overripe bananas and pecans not only adds depth to the flavor but also introduces a delightful texture contrast between the moist bread and the crunchy nuts. The addition of a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor even further.

Moreover, this recipe is adaptable. Whether you prefer to use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, shortening or butter, or even throw in some chocolate chips for an extra treat, it’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity.

And let’s not forget the smell—a loaf of banana pecan bread baking in the oven fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma that’s almost as good as the first bite.

So, grab those over-ripe bananas and let’s get baking! Whether it’s for a lazy Sunday morning, a family brunch, or just because, this Banana Pecan Bread is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection.

Here are some more great sweet bread recipes to try:

Check out the recipe below!

Banana Pecan Bread
Yield: 2 Loaves

Banana Pecan Bread

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A yummy version of banana bread with delicious pecans to boost the flavor!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 4 bananas
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 6 tsp milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, shortening, eggs, and milk in mixing bowl.
  2. Peel bananas and add to mixture.
  3. Add baking soda, baking powder, and flour.
  4. Chop pecans and add to mixing bowl and blend until just combined.
  5. Grease and flour two loaf pans.
  6. Divide batter between two pans and bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool on wire racks. 

Nutrition Information

Yield

24 slices

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 279Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 19mgSodium 100mgCarbohydrates 39gFiber 2gSugar 19gProtein 4g

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