If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, this Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe will become your new best friend. Bursting with rich banana flavor and a tender crumb, this timeless recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll love how easy it is to create this classic loaf that tastes like home in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, familiar, and essential—each one playing its own role to build that perfect texture and flavor that make this banana bread so irresistible.
- 3 medium-sized extra ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups): The star of the show, bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup white granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/3 cup canola oil: Keeps the bread moist while allowing for a lighter texture compared to butter.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to the rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the banana flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted): Provides structure while keeping the bread tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and creates that classic fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper. This step makes sure your bread releases smoothly after baking, keeping every slice picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas
In a large bowl, grab your ripest bananas and mash them with a fork until smooth. These extra ripe bananas bring intense natural sweetness and moisture that create the foundation of your loaf’s flavor and texture. After mashing, stir in the sugar until fully combined—this mix will soon become your luscious batter.
Step 3: Mix in Your Wet Ingredients
Add your eggs, vanilla extract, and canola oil to the mashed banana mixture. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and glossy. These ingredients add richness and body to your bread, making each slice wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together to ensure even distribution of leavening and avoid clumps. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent rise and light crumb throughout the bread.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into your wet banana mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing here; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overworking the batter can make your banana bread dense and tough, and nobody wants that.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through the oven by the end will tell you you’re getting close to that first delicious slice.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your banana bread to cool completely in the pan. This helps it set properly, making it easier to remove and slice without crumbling. Once cooled, lift it out using the parchment paper edges and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread is delightful on its own, adding a light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey can take it to the next level. Toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking can add texture and a touch of elegance as well.
Side Dishes
Pair your banana bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a creamy contrast. Fresh berries or a small bowl of warm fruit compote also complement the banana’s sweetness beautifully, creating a balanced and satisfying snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice thick and serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat. You can also cut the bread into cubes and skewer them for a fun, bite-sized dessert party option. Another idea is to lightly toast slices, then spread with nut butter for a nutritious twist on your classic banana bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about three to four days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or on-the-go snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe fresh for longer, freeze the whole loaf or individual slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly wrapped, it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread just like freshly baked, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm. This brings out the fresh-baked aroma and makes the bread wonderfully soft and moist again.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and can make the texture a little moister. Feel free to substitute if you prefer that richer flavor in your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe.
What if I don’t have canola oil? What’s a good substitute?
You can easily swap canola oil for melted butter, vegetable oil, or even coconut oil. Each will slightly change the flavor and texture, but all work well in this recipe.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots and soft skin. These will mash easily and provide maximum sweetness and flavor to your banana bread.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! Fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite nuts or chocolate chips in Step 5 after mixing the dry and wet ingredients. This adds wonderful texture and extra bursts of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for making muffins instead of a loaf?
Definitely. Use a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Adjust baking time as needed since muffins cook faster than a full loaf.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe is a timeless gem that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its simplicity and homey flavor make it perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a peaceful moment to yourself. You really can’t go wrong—grab those ripe bananas and give this recipe a try today; your taste buds will thank you!
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Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 to 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf made from ripe bananas, sugar, and simple pantry staples. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it’s easy to make, comforting, and packed with banana goodness.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized extra ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining the bottom and two sides with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mash bananas and mix sugar: In a large bowl, mash the 3 extra ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork. Add the white granulated sugar to the mashed bananas and mix well until combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the 2 room-temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup canola oil into the banana-sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to ensure an even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Mix batter: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to a dense bread.
- Pour and bake: Pour the prepared batter into the lined loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bread out using the parchment paper, slice, and enjoy.
Notes
- Use extra ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute canola oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- To add walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter after mixing the dry ingredients.
- Store banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
