Nothing quite warms the heart like a slice of homemade banana bread, and this Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe is just the perfect blend of sweet, moist, and comforting flavors that take you back to simpler times. With its rich banana aroma, tender crumb, and that nostalgic touch of walnuts or chocolate chips, it’s a timeless treat that brings smiles to any table and makes your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe relies on humble, everyday ingredients that come together to create a beautifully balanced loaf. Each component plays an essential role, from the softness of the butter to the sweet punch of ripe bananas, all combining to craft that classic banana bread goodness.
- 1/3 cup butter or vegan butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup sugar or coconut sugar: Sweetens the bread while enhancing browning and flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives that warm, inviting aroma that complements the bananas perfectly.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s structure.
- 2 mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show, delivering natural sweetness and a moist texture.
- 2 tablespoons milk or almond milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it light.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda for extra lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup flour (option to substitute 1/2 with whole wheat): The base ingredient that gives the bread its structure.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips (optional): Adds delightful texture and flavor contrast.
How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Get your loaf pan ready by greasing and flouring it, or for an easier release, line it with parchment paper. This simple prep sets the stage for a beautiful loaf that won’t stick and will come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened butter and sugar together. After about two minutes, you’ll have a light and fluffy mixture that’s going to give your bread a wonderful texture and sweetness from the very start.
Step 3: Add Vanilla, Eggs, and Bananas
Next, stir in the vanilla extract and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to fully incorporate them. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to mix everything evenly. Then add your mashed ripe bananas, beating again until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 4: Mix the Leavening with Warm Milk and Combine Dry Ingredients
Warm the milk gently until it just reaches boiling, then quickly stir in the baking soda—it will foam, so use a large enough container! Pour this foamy mixture into your batter, followed by the baking powder, salt, and flour. Beat everything together just until combined, taking care not to overmix, which keeps your banana bread tender and moist.
Step 5: Fold in the Nuts or Chocolate Chips
If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into your batter with a spatula. This step ensures even distribution without compromising the batter’s lightness.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing—this rest time lets the flavors mature and the texture set just right.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A warm slice of banana bread is wonderful all on its own, but adding a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey takes it to another level. For a fun twist, spread a little cream cheese or peanut butter on top. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also make a simple garnish that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs excellently with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. It also complements a bowl of yogurt or a fresh fruit salad beautifully, balancing its sweetness with freshness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Serve slices alongside mascarpone whipped cream and toasted pecans for an elegant dessert vibe. Or turn it into a decadent treat by layering it with ice cream and chocolate sauce for a banana bread sundae—delicious and unexpected!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or packed lunches during the week.
Freezing
Banana bread freezes wonderfully when wrapped securely in foil or plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Pop it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a soft, moist slice anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread warm again, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes wrapped in foil. This little reheating trick brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic!
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly to suit your taste or switch to natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, though this might affect the texture and browning a bit.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
For the best flavor and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with lots of brown spots. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed ripen bananas by placing them in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter or coconut oil, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and almond milk or other plant-based milk. This keeps the loaf moist and delicious without animal products.
Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder?
The baking soda neutralizes the acidity from the bananas and buttermilk, while baking powder gives extra lift. Together, they help the bread rise beautifully and create a tender crumb.
Can I add other mix-ins to the banana bread?
Definitely! Beyond nuts and chocolate chips, try dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor variations. Just fold them in gently at the end.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a warm, comforting treat that brings the delightful sweetness of bananas front and center, this Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for anytime you want a little homemade happiness on a plate. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch how quickly this classic loaf becomes a treasured favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe offers a moist and flavorful loaf with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Featuring ripe bananas, buttery sweetness, and a hint of vanilla, it can be customized with walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and taste. Easy to prepare and bake, this classic banana bread balances traditional ingredients with optional substitutions like vegan butter and almond milk, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter or vegan butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 mashed ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons milk or almond milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup flour (can substitute 1/2 whole wheat if desired)
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the baked bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand-held or stand mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the softened butter and sugar for about 2 minutes. This process creates a light and fluffy mixture that contributes to the bread’s moist texture.
- Add Vanilla, Eggs, and Bananas: Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating for about 1 minute. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Then add the mashed ripe bananas and beat again until fully combined.
- Prepare Baking Soda Milk Mixture and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe container, heat the milk or almond milk until it just begins to boil. Quickly stir in the baking soda, which will foam up, so be cautious with the container size. Add this foamy mixture to the batter along with the baking powder, salt, and flour. Beat gently until the ingredients are just combined, taking care not to overmix. Scrape the bowl sides again to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Fold in Optional Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips if you’re using them. This step adds delightful texture and flavor contrasts throughout the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling time helps the bread set and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Substituting vegan butter and almond milk makes this recipe suitable for vegan diets.
- You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Use overripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the bread tender.
- Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bread towards the end of baking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, adjusting liquids as necessary.
