Amazing banana bread with pecans! It’s super moist and soft, packed with intense banana flavor and cinnamon, plus crunchy toasted pecans for that perfect bite. I added dark chocolate chips because who doesn't love pecan chocolate?? It’s an awesome way to use up those overripe bananas, and the best part? You only need one bowl to make it! Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this easy recipe is a total game changer.

Pecan banana bread on a piece of parchment paper with bananas in the background.

This pecan banana bread is perfect for any occasion—brunch, breakfast, or even dessert! A warm slice, bursting with flavor, and for the ultimate treat, top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The creamy ice cream melting into the moist bread makes for a seriously delicious experience that’s sure to wow your friends. It’s the perfect way to level up any get-together or just enjoy a sweet moment for yourself! Check out my cardamom banana bread and banoffee tarts too!

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Why you'll love this recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Substitutions
Instructions
Pro tips
FAQ
Storage
Related
📖 Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

Incredible Texture: The banana bread with pecans is super moist and fluffy, making every bite feel like a warm hug. spiced banana cake is so moist too!
Crunchy Pecans: Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bananas.
Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring just one bowl—no complicated steps or messy cleanup, which is perfect for busy days.
Warm Spices: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making it feel cozy and inviting. banana bread with streusel topping has cinnamon as well.
Deliciously Indulgent: Enjoy it plain, or elevate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a treat that feels extra special!

Banana pecan bread cut in half to show the texture of the bread.

Equipment

Using a kitchen scale when making banana bread is a game changer for a couple of reasons. First, it ensures precise measurements for the flour, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Measuring by weight eliminates the variability that can come from using cups, resulting in a consistently moist and fluffy loaf.

Ingredients

What you'll need for this banana pecan bread recipe.

Overripe Bananas: Must be very ripe for the best flavor and texture; they should be brown and soft. Check out my raspberry banana muffins too!
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb, enhancing the bread’s texture. I use sour cream in my chocolate chunk banana muffins as well.
Oil and Butter: A mixture provides both moisture and rich flavor, balancing the bread's overall taste.
Toasted Pecans: Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
Kosher Salt: Salt is a must in baking, it brings out the flavor and balances the sweetness!
Dark Chocolate: Used to offset the sweetness of the bread, providing a rich contrast. Dark chocolate with pecans is always an amazing combo. chocolate banana milkshake is amazing if you like this combo!

See banana bread with pecans recipe below card for quantities.

Substitutions

Variations for this pecan banana loaf!

Switch Pecans for Walnuts: Go nutty with walnuts for a slightly different crunch and flavor.
Add Butterscotch Chips: Sweeten it up with butterscotch chips for a rich, buttery twist in every bite.
More Spice, More Flavor: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of allspice for a cozy, warming flavor.
Serve with Cream Cheese: Spread on a bit of cream cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast to the banana sweetness.
Try Maple Glaze Drizzle: After baking, drizzle with a maple glaze for a sweet, fall-inspired finish.

This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions. These are just suggestions.

Instructions

Let's make banana pecan bread!

Pecans and chocolate chips coated in flour before being added to the banana bread batter.

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9X5inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it goes up and over the long sides. Toss the pecans and chocolate chips with one tablespoon of flour until evenly coated, set aside.

Mashed banana in a white bowl as the start of making banana bread.

Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the very overripe bananas until smooth.

Mashed banana, sugars, sour cream, oil, and eggs being mixed together in a white bowl.

Step 3. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, melted and cooled butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, sour cream, and eggs to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.

The dry ingredients being mixed into the wet ingredients in a white bowl.

Step 4.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking gently until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.

The chocolate chips and pecans being mixed into the batter in a white bowl.

Step 5: Stir in the coated pecans and chocolate chips until combined.

The banana pecan bread recipe almost done before going into the oven.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared 9x5-inch metal baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Top with a few chopped pecans if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Hint: Always toast nuts! I roast mine in a 350°F for about 10 minutes on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Roughly chop them so you can get clean slices.

Pro tips

Use Almost Black Bananas: Overripe bananas are key for maximum flavor and moisture; regular bananas won’t yield the same results.
Toss nuts and chocolate with flour: Coat the pecans and chocolate chips with flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the bread gummy instead of light and fluffy.
Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delicious crunch to the bread. If you love pecans, check out pecan cranberry brownies.
Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Let It Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a bit before slicing to maintain its structure and avoid crumbling.

FAQ

How to freeze overripe bananas?

I like to peel my bananas and cut them up in a few pieces. I place them in a freezer bag making sure to remove excess air and place in an airtight container.

Can you freeze banana bread?

Freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use different kinds of nuts?

Of course! You can use any nut your heart desires. Make sure to roughly chop and toast them!

pecan banana loaf cut to show the textures and moisture.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store your banana bread with pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and delicious.

Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Refrigerator: I don’t recommend keeping it in the refrigerator, refrigerating baked goods dry them out!

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