Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
Introduction
Old Fashioned Banana Bread is a timeless treat that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. This simple recipe yields a tender loaf with a delightful banana aroma, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 3 medium-size bananas, extra ripe (mashed, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly using a fork. Add the sugar and mix until combined.
- Step 3: Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and canola oil until the batter is smooth.
- Step 4: Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this mixture to the banana batter, stirring just until combined—do not overmix.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before removing. Slice and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips before baking.
- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Room temperature eggs help the batter mix more evenly and yield a better crumb.
Storage
Store banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or toaster oven for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to ensure the right batter consistency.
Why is my banana bread dense or heavy?
Overmixing the batter can develop gluten and lead to a dense texture. Mix just until ingredients are combined and avoid substituting flour without adjustments.
Print
Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe features ripe bananas, simple ingredients, and straightforward steps to create a moist, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. The bread offers a classic texture and flavor, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with a hint of vanilla, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 3 Medium-size bananas, extra ripe (mashed, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup Canola oil
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups All purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread once baked.
- Mash bananas and combine with sugar: Place the 3 extra ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl and mash them thoroughly using a fork until mostly smooth. Add the white granulated sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and oil: Stir in the two room temperature eggs, the vanilla extract, and the canola oil into the banana mixture, combining well to create a consistent batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to the banana wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and remove from pan: Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting it out using the parchment paper. This helps it set and prevents it from breaking apart.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for best sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to keep the bread tender.
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less sticking.
- Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread, old fashioned banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, banana loaf, baking, simple banana bread
