Craving a slice of moist, flavorful banana bread but realized you’re out of butter? Don’t let that stop you! This ultimate banana bread recipe no butter is here to save the day. Using oil instead of butter, this recipe yields a tender and scrumptious loaf that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s embark on a baking adventure that’ll fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked banana nut bread.

Fun Fact: Banana bread gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to make use of overripe bananas. This resourceful recipe has been a household favorite ever since!

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about a warm slice of banana bread fresh from the oven. This banana bread recipe no butter is:

Incredibly Moist: The use of oil ensures a tender crumb that’s never dry.
Rich in Flavor: Overripe bananas and a hint of vanilla create a delightful taste.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe foolproof.
Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or a comforting dessert.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this banana walnut bread.

Imagine biting into a slice that’s both soft and slightly crunchy from the walnuts. The natural sweetness of the bananas shines through, making it hard to stop at just one piece!

Freshly baked banana walnut bread on a rustic board, garnished with bananas and walnuts.

Ingredient Overview

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this easy banana nut bread recipe so special:

Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and add natural moisture to the bread.
Vegetable Oil: Replacing butter, oil keeps the bread moist and tender. You can use canola, sunflower, or even coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bread. Feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together, providing structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic touch.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bread, giving it body.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the bread rise perfectly.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Walnuts: Add a delightful crunch. If you’re allergic or prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds are great alternatives.

Mastering the Perfect Banana Bread Without Butter

Creating the perfect banana bread made with oil is easier than you might think. Here are some insider tips to ensure success:

Choose Super Ripe Bananas: Bananas with lots of brown spots or even black skins are ideal. They’re sweeter and mash effortlessly.
Mash Bananas Thoroughly: For a smooth texture, mash bananas until no lumps remain.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense loaf.
Prep Your Pan Properly: Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Add Walnuts Carefully: Gently fold in walnuts to keep the batter light.
Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from crumbling.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

3 large overripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the center. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas and vegetable oil. Whisk together until well combined and smooth.

In a large mixing bowl, the mashed bananas and vegetable oil.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Eggs

Stir in the granulated sugar, mixing until it’s fully dissolved. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pure vanilla extract for that aromatic touch.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; overmixing can result in a tough bread.

Step 6: Fold in the Walnuts

Add the chopped walnuts to the batter. Gently stir until they’re evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Pour into the Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. For an extra crunch, sprinkle a few additional walnuts on top.

Banana bread batter being poured into a loaf pan, ready to bake.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 5g
Sugars: 22g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 250mg

Tips for Success

To make your banana bread recipe no butter turn out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips:

Tip 1: Enhance Flavor with Spices – Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
Tip 2: Use Different Nuts – Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer.
Tip 3: Make Muffins Instead – Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes for quick, grab-and-go treats.

How to Store

Proper storage ensures your banana bread made with oil stays fresh and delicious.

Refrigerator

Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezer

For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months.

To Reheat

Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also toast slices for a crispy exterior.

Substitutions and Variations

Make It Vegan

Transform this into a vegan banana bread recipe no butter by making a few simple swaps:

Eggs: Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes).
Sugar: Use organic sugar to ensure it’s vegan-friendly.

Experiment with Add-Ins

Elevate your banana nut bread recipe with these exciting variations:

Chocolate Lover’s Banana Bread: Fold in 1 cup of dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Berry Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Coconut Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.

Banana bread with chocolate chips and coconut flakes, sliced and ready to serve

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A: Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the bread may be denser and have a nuttier flavor.

Q: What can I use instead of walnuts?

A: If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can omit them entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for some crunch.

Q: How do I keep my banana bread moist?

A: Using oil instead of butter helps keep the bread moist. Also, be sure not to overbake it, and store it properly in an airtight container.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

A: Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by up to half if you prefer a less sweet bread. The bananas provide natural sweetness.

Q: Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?

A: Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a better rise and texture.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered an easy banana nut bread recipe that’s not only delicious but also flexible enough to suit various dietary needs. This banana bread recipe no butter proves that you don’t need butter to create a moist and flavorful loaf. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking today. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the comforting aroma of homemade banana walnut bread.

We’d love to hear how your banana bread turned out! Share your results in the comments below or tag us on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delightful recipes straight to your inbox. Happy baking!