Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Featured in Recipes We Love.

Create a tender and moist banana bread by combining ripe bananas, melted butter, sugar, and simple pantry staples. Mash bananas smoothly, mix with wet and dry ingredients, and bake to perfection. This old-fashioned delight is perfect as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat. Serve it warm or cooled for the best homemade experience.

Rose
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 17:50:19 GMT
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread Pin it
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread | lovelylifewithrose.com

This old-fashioned banana bread recipe transforms spotty bananas into a moist, sweet loaf that fills your home with comforting aromas. The recipe stays true to classic banana bread traditions while being simple enough for even novice bakers to master.

I discovered this recipe when my grandmother taught me to bake as a child. The first time I pulled a golden loaf from the oven and watched my family's eyes light up at the smell, I knew this would become my signature bake for years to come.

Ingredients

  • Ripe bananas: the riper with brown spots the better as they provide natural sweetness and moisture
  • Melted butter: creates a richer flavor than oil alternatives
  • Granulated sugar: balances the banana flavor without overwhelming it
  • Egg: acts as a binding agent for structure
  • Vanilla extract: enhances the sweet banana flavor profile
  • Baking soda: provides the perfect rise for a tender texture
  • Salt: even just a pinch enhances all the flavors
  • All-Purpose flour: forms the structure look for unbleached for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Oven Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking the loaf pan should be thoroughly greased to prevent sticking which would tear your beautiful crust
Banana Mixture Creation:
Mash the bananas until mostly smooth but with some small chunks remaining for texture then mix in the melted butter while still warm which helps incorporate everything smoothly
Wet Ingredients Incorporation:
Add sugar egg and vanilla to your banana mixture stirring until fully combined but not overmixing the sugar should begin dissolving into the wet ingredients creating a slightly glossy appearance
Dry Ingredients Addition:
Sprinkle baking soda and salt evenly over the mixture before adding flour gently fold until no dry streaks remain the batter should look lumpy which is perfect for moist banana bread
Baking Process:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top gently with a spatula bake in the middle rack position for 60 minutes watching for a golden brown top that springs back when touched
Cooling Phase:
Allow the bread to rest in the pan for exactly 10 minutes this sets the structure then transfer to a wire rack to prevent a soggy bottom the bread continues cooking slightly as it cools
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread Pin it
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread | lovelylifewithrose.com

The bananas are truly the star of this recipe. I remember my grandmother teaching me to save spotty bananas in the freezer until we had enough for bread. She would say "the uglier the banana, the better the bread" and she was absolutely right!

Storage Solutions

This banana bread maintains its moisture when stored properly. Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves on the second day as the banana notes deepen. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that freshly baked taste.

Creative Variations

This classic recipe serves as an excellent base for customization. Consider adding half a cup of chocolate chips for a dessert-like treat that children especially adore. Chopped walnuts or pecans introduce a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor. For a tropical twist, fold in shredded coconut and a handful of chopped dried pineapple. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom blend beautifully with banana. For special occasions, try a maple glaze drizzled over the cooled loaf or a streusel topping before baking.

Banana Selection Secrets

The success of this bread relies heavily on your bananas. Look for ones with abundant brown speckles or even mostly black peels these contain more sugar and stronger banana flavor. Yellow bananas with green tips will yield a less flavorful loaf with firmer texture. If your bananas ripen before you can bake, peel and freeze them whole in a ziplock bag. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature in a bowl to catch the liquid which should be added to your batter for extra moisture and flavor. Three medium bananas yield approximately 1¼ cups mashed.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be overripe, with brown spots or fully browned, as this adds sweetness and moisture.

→ Can I replace butter with another fat?

Yes, you can use an equal amount of neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil as a substitute for butter.

→ How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but no batter.

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.

→ How should I store this bread for freshness?

Wrap it tightly in plastic or store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Soft and rich banana bread made with ripe bananas and simple ingredients. Perfectly moist and delicious.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Family Favorites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Dessert

Yield: 10 Servings (10 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3 ripe bananas, mashed
02 ½ cup butter, melted
03 1 cup granulated sugar
04 1 egg, beaten
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 Pinch of salt
08 1½ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

Step 03

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

Step 04

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then mix in the flour until just combined.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or masher
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~