Get ready to fall in love with the comforting, nostalgic flavors of Old Fashioned Banana Bread! This classic loaf is wonderfully moist, tender, and packed with ripe banana goodness in every bite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with a slather of butter, it fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of home. If you’re searching for a reliable, mouthwatering treat that’s just as perfect for breakfast as it is for an afternoon snack, look no further—Old Fashioned Banana Bread delivers pure happiness, slice after slice!

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Old Fashioned Banana Bread lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a special role in creating the perfect loaf. These kitchen staples are transformed into something truly magical, so use the best quality you can find and let the flavors shine!

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the loaf while keeping the crumb tender and soft.
Baking soda: Gives the bread just enough lift, making each slice light but satisfying.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture—be sure it’s truly softened for easy mixing!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread to perfection, blending seamlessly with the bananas.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together while adding moisture and richness.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and makes the loaf extra fragrant.
Ripe bananas, mashed: The star of Old Fashioned Banana Bread, imparting natural sweetness and incredible moisture (make sure they’re spotty and soft!)
Whole milk: Loosens the batter ever so slightly, making the bread moist but never dense.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a lovely crunch and nutty note that pairs beautifully with banana.

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for extra-easy removal. This quick prep step sets you up for a loaf that turns out beautifully golden and comes out of the pan with zero fuss.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution, so you won’t find pockets of baking soda or clumps of flour later on. It’s one of those simple steps that really pays off in the texture of your banana bread.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a tender crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth feel—don’t rush this part!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that warm, sweet aroma that makes Old Fashioned Banana Bread so irresistible.

Step 5: Mix in Bananas

Mash the ripe bananas (the riper, the better!) and fold them into your wet mixture until smoothly combined. The bananas should practically melt into the batter, giving the finished bread its signature moistness and flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is blended together. This gentle touch avoids overmixing, which can lead to a dense loaf—aim for a silky, slightly thick batter here.

Step 7: Fold in Nuts (Optional) and Bake

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes (it’s tough to wait, but worth it!), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s at room temperature, slice and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra special touch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a scattering of extra toasted nuts over the top adds texture and flair, perfect when you’re entertaining or just treating yourself.

Side Dishes

Old Fashioned Banana Bread is heavenly on its own, but it pairs especially well with creamy Greek yogurt, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a fresh fruit salad. For breakfast, serve it alongside piping-hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or brunch, slice the bread and stack on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream nearby. You can also cut it into thick cubes, skewer them, and serve with sweet spreads for a fun twist on classic serving. Mini loaves or muffins made from this batter also make adorable and giftable treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Old Fashioned Banana Bread moist and tender, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to three days—though it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

This bread is a freezer superstar. Cool it completely, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, and then foil. Label, stash in your freezer, and you’ll have a delicious treat on hand for up to three months. When the craving strikes, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

To warm up a slice, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast gently in a toaster oven. The gentle heat revives the texture and brings back that wonderful aroma—almost like it’s fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Old Fashioned Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. They’re perfect for this recipe and even add extra sweetness.

How can I make my banana bread extra moist?

Using very ripe bananas is key, and don’t overbake—check for doneness at the 55-minute mark. A splash of yogurt or sour cream can also add extra richness if you want to experiment.

Is it possible to make Old Fashioned Banana Bread nut-free?

Definitely! Just skip the nuts or swap in chocolate chips, seeds, or dried fruit for a different kind of twist—your loaf will be just as delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double all the ingredients and bake two loaves side by side. Just be sure to use separate pans and check both for doneness since oven hot spots can affect baking times.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This sometimes happens if the batter was overmixed, your baking soda was expired, or if the loaf was underbaked. Always check for doneness with a toothpick and use a gentle touch when mixing batter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something classic, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, Old Fashioned Banana Bread is a recipe you can return to again and again. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking (and sharing!) this timeless treat—give it a try and let the cozy aromas fill your home!

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Made with ripe bananas and optional nuts, it’s a simple yet delicious treat that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk.
Finish batter: Fold in nuts if desired. Pour batter into the pan and bake.
Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Cool in the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Enhance with cinnamon or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American