Old Fashioned Banana Bread

There’s something special about Old Fashioned Banana Bread that evokes memories of cozy kitchens, warm ovens, and the simple joy of baking from scratch. This classic recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, using extra ripe bananas to create a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. The combination of sweet bananas, a hint of vanilla, and a light, fluffy texture makes this bread a comforting treat that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or simply craving a homemade treat, this banana bread recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter, allowing you to make it uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

With pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, this recipe requires minimal ingredients to achieve maximum flavor.

2. Quick and Easy

This banana bread comes together in just a few simple steps and bakes in under an hour, making it an easy choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.

3. Moist and Fluffy

The extra ripe bananas keep the bread moist and tender, giving it the perfect texture that’s neither too dense nor too light.

4. Customizable

You can easily add your favorite mix-ins, from chocolate chips to nuts, making this recipe adaptable to suit your preferences.

5. Great for Meal Prep

Banana bread stores beautifully at room temperature for several days or in the freezer for even longer, making it ideal for meal prepping or snacking throughout the week.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Extra ripe bananas (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)
• White granulated sugar
• Canola oil
• Eggs (room temperature)
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour (sifted)
• Baking soda
• Salt

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of semisweet mini chocolate chips for a rich and sweet twist.
• Nutty Banana Bread: Stir in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Swirl in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty variation.
• Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the flour mixture for a spiced flavor, or swirl cinnamon sugar into the batter before baking.
• Oatmeal Banana Bread: For a hearty, textured bread, mix in 1/2 cup of rolled oats into the batter.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick spray, and line the bottom and two sides of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Place the 3 extra ripe bananas in a large bowl. Use a fork to mash the bananas until smooth, leaving some small chunks for added texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add the granulated sugar to the mashed bananas, and mix well to combine. Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and canola oil until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

Step 4: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure there are no lumps. Once sifted, gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly cracked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavor and moisture they provide. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for banana bread.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps to create a smoother batter and ensures the ingredients blend better.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper helps prevent the bread from sticking, making it easier to remove after baking.
• Check for Doneness: Check the banana bread after 45 minutes. If the top is getting too dark but the center isn’t cooked through, tent the bread with aluminum foil and continue baking.

How to Serve

This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also great when served with a pat of butter, a dollop of peanut butter, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs well with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a satisfying breakfast or snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a particularly warm or humid area, it’s best to store it in the fridge to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

This banana bread freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat banana bread, place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or wrap the loaf in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Frozen bananas work perfectly for banana bread. Just thaw them first and mash them as usual.

2. Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, you can substitute the canola oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.

3. How can I make my banana bread more moist?

Ensure you’re using extra ripe bananas, which contribute to a moist texture. You can also add a bit of sour cream or yogurt for added moisture.

4. Can I make this recipe in a muffin tin?

Yes, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin for banana bread muffins. Bake at the same temperature but check for doneness at 18-20 minutes.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, but results may vary depending on the blend you choose.

6. How can I make banana bread without eggs?

You can replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or use a store-bought egg substitute.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great way to elevate your banana bread. Add about 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

8. How long does banana bread last?

Banana bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stored in the refrigerator, it can last up to a week.

9. Can I make banana bread ahead of time?

Yes, banana bread can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

10. How can I make banana bread healthier?

To make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar, substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, or use a healthier oil like coconut oil.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is a timeless treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or simply craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe offers a simple yet satisfying solution. Its tender crumb, rich banana flavor, and golden crust make it a favorite that everyone will love. Add your favorite mix-ins or enjoy it plain—the choice is yours. Regardless of how you serve it, this banana bread is sure to bring smiles to the table.

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