Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for a slice of perfectly moist, warmly spiced bread that feels like a hug in edible form, you’re going to absolutely love this Old Fashioned Banana Bread. It’s a beloved classic that brings together ripe bananas, simple pantry staples, and a straightforward technique to deliver that nostalgic flavor and tender crumb we all crave. Whether you’re new to baking or an old hand looking for a timeless recipe, this Old Fashioned Banana Bread will become your go-to treat for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, each serving a vital role, this recipe highlights how a few basics transform into something truly special. The combination ensures the right balance of sweetness, moisture, and texture for that iconic banana bread experience.

• 3 Medium-size bananas, extra ripe mashed: These provide natural sweetness and incredibly moist texture, essential to tender banana bread.
• 1 cup White granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness that isn’t too overpowering, letting banana flavor shine through.
• ⅓ cup Canola oil: Keeps the bread moist while ensuring a tender crumb without heaviness.
• 2 Large eggs room temperature: Bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise to a fluffy perfection.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: A warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
• 1 ⅓ cups All purpose flour sifted: Gives structure to the bread, ensuring it holds together without being dense.
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda: Acts as a natural leavening agent, making the bread lift and become airy.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor complexity.

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepping your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°, a perfect temperature to gently coax the banana bread into a golden crust. Prepare a 9×5 loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining the bottom and two sides with parchment paper. This ensures your loaf lifts out effortlessly once baked.

Step 2: Mashing the Bananas

Place the three extra ripe bananas into a large bowl and mash them with a fork until smooth with just a few small lumps. Using ultra-ripe bananas is key—they bring natural sweetness and that iconic banana flavor.

Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients

Add the sugar to the mashed bananas and stir to combine thoroughly. Then mix in the two room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, and canola oil. This wet mixture is the heart of your batter, combining richness and flavor.

Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and introduces a bit of air, making for a lighter bread. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture just until everything is combined—you want the batter slightly lumpy for a tender crumb, not overmixed.

Step 5: Baking Your Banana Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Cooling and Unmolding

After removing your Old Fashioned Banana Bread from the oven, let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial so the bread firms up, making it easier to remove without breaking.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Garnishes

While this banana bread is wonderful on its own, top your slices with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for extra indulgence. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can add a delightful contrast in both flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Pair warm slices with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat. For a heartier breakfast or brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt with granola to balance sweetness with protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing and toasting your Old Fashioned Banana Bread, then adding toppings like peanut butter and banana slices or cinnamon sugar for a fun twist. You can even cut into cubes to make banana bread French toast or bread pudding for a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Old Fashioned Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and fresh, perfect for quick snacks or packed lunches.

Freezing

If you want to savor your banana bread longer, freeze it by wrapping tightly in plastic and then in foil or placing it in a freezer bag. Frozen banana bread stays delicious for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices briefly in a toaster oven or microwave to revive that fresh-baked softness and aroma. Heating takes just seconds and makes the crumb feel like it was made moments ago.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil instead of canola oil?

Absolutely! You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, or even melted butter for a richer flavor, though the texture may vary slightly.

How ripe do the bananas need to be?

The riper the bananas, the better. They should be heavily speckled with brown spots or mostly brown, indicating sugars have developed fully to promise a sweet, moist loaf.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for added texture and flavor twists.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Definitely. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that is a 1:1 replacement to keep the texture just right.

Why does the bread sometimes turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter or using bananas that aren’t ripe enough can cause dense banana bread. Be gentle when mixing and choose extra ripe bananas for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm invitation to enjoy simple, heartfelt baking. With familiar ingredients and a straightforward method, it’s a joy that fits perfectly into your day, whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself. Give it a try—you’ll find that a slice of Old Fashioned Banana Bread is like a delicious hug that never goes out of style.

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