Golden Corral Banana Nut Bread Recipe (Copycat Version)

Moist, sweet, and loaded with banana flavor—just like your Golden Corral Banana Nut Bread Recipe buffet favorite!

If you’ve ever been to Golden Corral, chances are you’ve tasted their warm, comforting banana nut bread. With its soft texture, sweet banana flavor, and crunchy bits of nuts throughout, it’s no surprise this treat has earned a cult following.

Whether served at breakfast, as a snack, or with a scoop of ice cream for dessert, it hits the spot every time.

The good news? You don’t need to wait for your next buffet visit to enjoy it! This copycat Golden Corral Banana Nut Bread recipe brings all that nostalgic goodness right to your kitchen. Made with ripe bananas, pantry staples, and chopped nuts (we love walnuts or pecans), this easy quick bread bakes up perfectly moist and flavorful every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Just Like Golden Corral – Soft, tender, and packed with banana flavor.
• Great for Overripe Bananas – A delicious way to use those spotted bananas on the counter.
• Customizable – Swap the nuts, add chocolate chips, or swirl in a little cinnamon sugar.
• Freezer-Friendly – Make a double batch and save one for later.

Ingredients Needed For Golden Corral Banana Nut Bread Recipe

• Ripe Bananas – Sweet, soft, and full of natural moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and creates tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Brown Sugar – Adds rich, caramel-like flavor and moisture.
• Eggs – Bind ingredients and add light, airy texture.
• Unsalted Butter – Gives rich flavor and moist texture.
• Baking Soda – Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and enhances banana flavor.
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – Crunchy texture and nutty, buttery taste.

How To Make Golden Corral Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: To the mashed bananas, add melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well blended.

Step 3: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Add the chopped walnuts or pecans and gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent with foil. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Golden Corral Banana Nut Bread Recipe

• Use Overripe Bananas – The darker and spottier, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and make the bread extra moist and flavorful.
• Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough texture.
• Toast the Nuts – For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts or pecans before folding them into the batter.
• Line the Pan for Easy Removal – Use parchment paper or lightly grease the loaf pan to ensure the bread comes out cleanly.
• Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
• Cool Before Slicing – Let the bread cool completely before cutting to prevent it from crumbling and to lock in moisture.
• Double the Batch – This bread freezes beautifully! Make an extra loaf and wrap it well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Let the banana bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds. For a freshly baked feel, toast a slice lightly or warm in a 300°F oven for about 5–10 minutes.

Golden Corral Banana Nut Bread Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing for best results.

What type of nuts work best? Walnuts and pecans are traditional and add great texture, but feel free to use your favorite nuts or leave them out entirely.

How do I know when the bread is done baking? Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly.

More Copycat Golden Corral Recipes

Golden Corral Meatloaf Recipe

Golden Corral Bourbon Street Chicken Copycat

Golden Corral Sausage and Peppers

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