Make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe Today

Sweet aromas of nostalgia waft through kitchens with this classic old fashioned banana bread recipe that captures generations of comfort.

Ripe bananas blend into a tender, moist loaf that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Every slice tells a story of simple ingredients coming together with warmth and love.

Overripe bananas find new purpose in this timeless treat that turns ordinary moments into something special.

The dense, rich texture promises a delightful experience with each bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying dessert.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this beloved comfort food.

What Makes Old Fashioned Banana Bread Special

No complicated techniques required, just straightforward mixing and measuring.

• Transform those browning bananas into a delectable treat instead of tossing them out. This recipe turns potential food waste into a mouthwatering masterpiece that everyone will love.
• Enjoy a versatile bread that works as a breakfast, snack, or dessert. Its warm, soft texture and rich banana flavor make it a guaranteed hit with family and friends of all ages.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding chocolate chips, swapping nuts, or experimenting with spices. Make it your own and create a signature version that reflects your personal taste.

Ingredients for Classic Banana Bread

• Bananas: Ripe, sweet bananas provide the signature flavor and moisture for the bread.
• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to its golden-brown color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bread.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the base of the bread.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the bread rise and create a light, airy texture.

• Vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet background flavor to the bread.
• Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the banana bread.

• Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Used for greasing the loaf pan to prevent sticking.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Crank up your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s fully heated before your batter arrives.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and creamy.

Start at a low speed and gradually increase to achieve perfect consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ripe bananas

Gently crack eggs into the mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla and mix well.

Mash bananas using a fork, then fold them into the creamy base.

The mixture might appear slightly chunky, which is perfectly fine.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Sea salt
• Chopped walnuts

In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix these ingredients.

Pro tip: Dust walnuts with a light flour coating to prevent them from sinking during baking.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into banana mixture.

Maintain a gentle folding technique to avoid overmixing.

The batter should remain thick with slight texture.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Vessel

Generously grease a loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.

Pour batter into pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even distribution.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Slice and savor the rich, moist banana bread.

Tips for Traditional Banana Bread

• Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor. Extremely ripe bananas provide more intense banana taste and natural sugars.
• Coat chopped walnuts lightly with flour before adding to batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking. This simple trick ensures even nut distribution throughout the bread.
• Mix wet and dry ingredients gently and minimally to maintain a tender crumb. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make banana bread dense and chewy instead of soft and moist.
• Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to preserve its moisture and freshness. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Slice banana bread and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly warm in the microwave for a quick treat.

Storing and Reheating Old Banana Bread

• Store banana bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
• Cut bread into individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bag. Remove and thaw desired number of slices as needed.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For crispy edges, toast in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or use toaster oven until heated through.

Pairing Ideas for Old Fashioned Banana Bread

• Pair with Creamy Comfort: Rich vanilla or caramel latte perfectly complements the warm, homey flavors of banana bread, creating a luxurious morning treat.
• Match with Nutty Delight: Roasted almond butter spread offers a complementary crunch that enhances the walnut undertones in the bread, elevating each delicious bite.
• Enhance with Sweet Contrast: Tangy raspberry jam provides a bright, fruity counterpoint to the dense, sweet banana bread, balancing the overall flavor profile delightfully.
• Sip with Smooth Harmony: Cold milk or a smooth chai tea creates a soothing backdrop that softens the bread's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Classic Twists on Old Banana Bread

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Banana Bread: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and add plant-based milk to maintain moisture.
• Low-Sugar Banana Bread: Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content.
• Protein-Packed Banana Bread: Incorporate protein powder, add chia seeds, or mix in Greek yogurt to boost protein content for fitness enthusiasts.

FAQs

• Why do I need to cream butter and sugar first?

Creaming helps incorporate air into the mixture, creating a lighter, fluffier texture in your banana bread. It also ensures the sugar is evenly distributed, giving a more consistent sweetness throughout the loaf.

• Can I skip the walnuts?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, simply omit them. The banana bread will still be delicious. You can also substitute with chocolate chips or dried fruit if you want some extra texture.

• How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas with dark brown or black spots. These are sweeter and will give your bread more intense banana flavor. Overripe bananas are perfect for baking and help create a moist, tender bread.

• Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make your banana bread tough and dense instead of soft and tender. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comforting banana bread delivers sweet nostalgia with each slice, blending ripe bananas and warm spices into a classic American treat. Homemade goodness awaits you in this simple, irresistible recipe that turns humble ingredients into a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large over ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (113 grams)

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal baking results.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mash ripe bananas with a fork, then gently fold them into the butter mixture, creating a slightly lumpy texture.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Lightly coat chopped walnuts with flour to prevent sinking during baking.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture, being careful not to overmix. The batter should remain thick and slightly uneven.
7. Prepare a loaf pan by greasing with non-stick spray or butter. Transfer batter into the pan, smoothing the surface gently with a spatula.
8. Bake for 55-65 minutes at 350°F, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
9. Remove from oven and allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Once cooled, slice and serve the banana bread, enjoying its moist texture and rich flavor.

Notes

• Boost banana flavor by using overripe, almost blackened bananas for deeper, sweeter taste and more intense banana profile.
• Prevent walnut sinking by coating them lightly in flour before adding to batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the bread.
• Keep bread moist by wrapping cooled loaf in plastic wrap or storing in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour, adjusting liquid content slightly to maintain proper consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg