Nothing says home quite like the aroma of old-fashioned banana bread baking in the oven. This recipe takes you back to your grandmother’s kitchen, where every slice was warm, moist, and brimming with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Simple, wholesome ingredients are all you need to create this beloved loaf. It’s a versatile treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert. This tried-and-true recipe is as nostalgic as it is delicious, a comforting reminder of the power of traditional baking. Let’s dive in and create a loaf of banana bread that’s soft, moist, and as heartwarming as those cherished memories.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, followed by the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Check at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cooking Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Bananas with brown spots or even fully black bananas work best.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender loaf. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so check your banana bread at around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready.
- Customize with Add-Ins: Add nuts for crunch or chocolate chips for a hint of sweetness, but avoid going overboard as it may affect the bread’s texture.
- Let It Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack before slicing to keep it intact and prevent crumbling.
Nutritional Benefits
Banana bread can be a satisfying treat while also offering some nutritional benefits:
- Bananas: High in potassium and vitamin C, bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread while offering fiber and essential nutrients.
- Egg: Adds protein and essential vitamins, such as B12, which help with cellular repair.
- Optional Nuts: Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans boosts the healthy fat and protein content, providing sustained energy and promoting heart health.
- Moderate Sugar Content: Using a moderate amount of sugar keeps this banana bread mildly sweet, making it a better choice than most desserts while satisfying your sweet tooth.
For added nutrition, you can replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use less sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Nostalgic: This recipe uses pantry staples and requires minimal steps, so you can make it quickly while enjoying a dose of nostalgia.
- Moist and Flavorful: The natural sweetness and moisture from the bananas make each slice tender and packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chocolate chips, or your favorite nuts to personalize each loaf.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Banana bread makes a great gift, is perfect for brunches, or can be enjoyed as an easy snack any time of day.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This banana bread contains no meat or meat products, making it ideal for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free Option: If you’re avoiding nuts, simply leave out any optional add-ins or replace with chocolate chips.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or neutral oil, such as coconut or vegetable oil, to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Lower Sugar Option: For a lower-sugar version, reduce the sugar by half or replace with a natural sweetener, like honey or maple syrup.
Why This Recipe Works
This banana bread recipe is classic for a reason: it combines simple ingredients in a way that allows each flavor to shine. The overripe bananas not only add moisture but also a natural sweetness that complements the slight caramelization that occurs during baking. The combination of baking soda and mashed bananas creates a tender crumb, while the butter adds richness. By not overmixing the batter, you ensure a light, fluffy texture that’s easy to slice and enjoy. The optional addition of cinnamon gives a warm undertone that pairs beautifully with bananas, enhancing the bread’s aroma and flavor profile. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted with butter, this recipe never disappoints.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread, just like your grandmother used to make, is a true classic. With its simplicity, ease, and comforting flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home, just as it has in countless kitchens for generations. There’s a reason banana bread has stood the test of time—it’s a delicious way to enjoy ripe bananas, an effortless snack or dessert, and a comforting nod to the past. So, grab those ripe bananas, warm up your oven, and enjoy the aroma of this timeless treat filling your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a slice with a cup of coffee, this banana bread promises to be a heartwarming experience from start to finish.
Print
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made: A Timeless, Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 1hr 15mins
Description
Nothing says home quite like the aroma of old-fashioned banana bread baking in the oven. This recipe takes you back to your grandmother’s kitchen, where every slice was warm, moist, and brimming with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Simple, wholesome ingredients are all you need to create this beloved loaf. It’s a versatile treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert. This tried-and-true recipe is as nostalgic as it is delicious, a comforting reminder of the power of traditional baking. Let’s dive in and create a loaf of banana bread that’s soft, moist, and as heartwarming as those cherished memories.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, followed by the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Check at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 1hr