Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
There’s simply nothing that says “home” quite like a thick slice of Old Fashioned Banana Bread, warm from the oven and bursting with sweet banana aroma. This beloved classic is a personal comfort food masterpiece, delightfully moist and full of rich banana flavor in every bite. It’s the ultimate use for those speckled, forgotten bananas on your counter, turning them into a treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’ve been baking for decades or this is your first loaf, Old Fashioned Banana Bread always delivers nostalgia, comfort, and pure, delicious satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old Fashioned Banana Bread lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are everyday staples, but each one plays a vital role in achieving that soft crumb, golden crust, and deep banana flavor. No fussy equipment, no complicated steps, just pantry basics blending together for something entirely greater than the sum of its parts.
- Bananas: The riper, the better! Extra ripeness means the bananas are rich in natural sugars, making your bread wonderfully moist and sweet.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- Canola Oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist with a light texture (you can substitute with another neutral oil in a pinch).
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure for a soft, cakey crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the loaf substance while staying soft—be sure to sift for a light, fluffy texture!
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the bread rise nicely and keeps it tender.
- Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the other flavors and prevents the loaf from tasting flat.
How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to work its magic. Grease your 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for mess-free removal later—there’s nothing worse than a gorgeous loaf that sticks!
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, grab those extra ripe bananas and mash them until silky smooth with just a few small lumps for texture. This is where the Old Fashioned Banana Bread gets all its rich flavor and signature moistness.
Step 3: Mix Sugar with Bananas
Sprinkle the sugar over your mashed bananas and stir until everything is well combined. This not only sweetens the loaf, but helps break down the bananas even further for an ultra-smooth crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the canola oil, crack in your eggs, and drizzle in the vanilla extract. Give it all a good stir; you want a smooth, gloriously glossy batter that smells heavenly already.
Step 5: Sift and Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your banana mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Don’t over-mix—this is the secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb!
Step 6: Bake
Now, scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to the corners. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit—patience is key here to avoid a messy loaf. Then, lift it gently onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Slice and marvel at how perfectly Old Fashioned Banana Bread turns out every single time.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Garnishes
Dress up your Old Fashioned Banana Bread with a simple pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar turns it into an everyday treat that feels like a celebration.
Side Dishes
For a cozy breakfast, pair a thick slice with Greek yogurt and fresh berries, or serve alongside scrambled eggs and coffee for a balanced brunch. The bread’s sweet, tender crumb is a joy with just about anything.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the loaf into cubes for a sweet bread pudding base, layer slices into parfaits with whipped cream, or toast and top with nut butter for a surprisingly hearty snack. Old Fashioned Banana Bread is endlessly versatile—don’t be afraid to experiment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Old Fashioned Banana Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and moist for days of enjoying.
Freezing
Banana bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then inside foil or a zip-top freezer bag. Pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight for fresh-baked flavor whenever you want.
Reheating
To enjoy that “just baked” taste, warm slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds. The gentle heat revives the crumb and releases all those incredible aromas that make Old Fashioned Banana Bread so irresistible.
FAQs
What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
If your bananas aren’t quite there, don’t worry! You can place them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 15–20 minutes until the skins blacken, or pop them in a paper bag overnight to speed up the ripening. Super soft, spotty bananas are truly what makes Old Fashioned Banana Bread so magical.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or a generous handful of chocolate chips blend beautifully into this recipe. Just stir them in with the flour for extra flavor and a bit of texture in every bite.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (one that substitutes cup-for-cup) and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. The results are still moist and flavorful—you won’t miss a thing!
Why did my bread turn out dense or gummy?
This usually happens when the batter is over-mixed or baked at the wrong temperature. Mix just until combined and always sift your dry ingredients for the signature light and tender crumb Old Fashioned Banana Bread is known for.
How should I store banana bread to keep it moist?
Wrap your loaf tightly or store in an airtight container at cool room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is best; then thaw only what you need. This locks in that just-baked texture and flavor day after day.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as comforting or crowd-pleasing as a classic loaf of Old Fashioned Banana Bread. It’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again—simple, reliable, and always delicious. Give it a try soon and let your kitchen (and your heart) fill with the joy of baking!
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Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Banana Bread recipe is a classic treat that is easy to make and perfect for using up those overripe bananas. Moist, flavorful, and just sweet enough, this banana bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 medium extra ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9X5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Banana Mixture: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Mix in the sugar until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, vanilla extract, and canola oil to the banana mixture; stir well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Banana Bread, Old-Fashioned, Baking, Dessert, Easy Recipe
