There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made wafting through the house. It’s the kind of recipe that wraps you up in memories, delivering pure comfort with every moist, golden slice. This banana bread brings together simple pantry staples and those extra-ripe bananas you thought were past their prime, transforming them into a classic treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with loved ones over a cup of coffee. Whether you enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or dressed up with a handful of nuts, this loaf always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made lies in its simplicity—each ingredient has a purpose, creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and nostalgia. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make sure your loaf turns out just right every time:
- Very ripe bananas (3, mashed): The secret to deep banana flavor and extra-moist texture—look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness; let it come to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the loaf without overpowering the natural banana flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bring everything together for a cohesive, tender crumb.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and gives the bread that irresistible bakery aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure while keeping the crumb soft.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the bread its beautiful lift and airy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens every flavor note.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with banana—optional, but highly recommended.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For a classic crunch and nutty depth—totally up to your family’s tradition!
How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made pops out easily and doesn’t stick, so every slice looks as perfect as it tastes.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming step is key for a tender, cake-like crumb—it’s worth taking the extra minute to get it right!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the mashed bananas and pure vanilla extract. Your batter will start smelling amazing, and you’ll see the mixture become smooth and golden—just like the Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made in childhood kitchens.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if you’re using it. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices, so every bite is just right.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the secret to moist, tender Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made is a light touch at this stage. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now.
Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too soon can cause it to crumble, so patience pays off! Once cool, slice, serve, and savor every bite of Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made
Garnishes
A warm slice is irresistible on its own, but you can add a pat of salted butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-special touch. A scattering of toasted nuts or a dollop of whipped cream can make this loaf feel downright celebratory.
Side Dishes
Pair your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made with a creamy yogurt parfait, a fresh fruit salad, or a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s also lovely alongside scrambled eggs for a cozy brunch or as an afternoon snack with a glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, cut the bread into thick cubes and serve as part of a brunch platter, or use slices to make a decadent banana bread French toast. You can even toast a slice and spread it with nut butter or cream cheese for a new take on a classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. This helps lock in moisture and keeps the flavors as fresh as the day it was baked.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made by wrapping individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer bag. It will keep beautifully for up to three months, ready for whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, simply microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, or toast them lightly in the oven. If reheating from frozen, let the bread thaw at room temperature before warming for best results.
FAQs
How do I know when my banana bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made is done. The top should be golden brown and gently spring back when touched.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely! Nuts are entirely optional—skip them if you’d like a smoother texture, or swap in chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different flavor twist.
What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
If your bananas aren’t super ripe, you can bake them (in their skins) at 300°F for about 15 minutes until they’re soft and browned. Let them cool before using, and you’ll have perfect bananas for Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier loaf. Keep in mind the bread might be a bit denser, but still delicious!
Is this banana bread suitable for freezing?
Yes! Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually or freeze the whole loaf for up to three months, and thaw at room temperature for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made is a staple in so many kitchens—it’s cozy, unfussy, and absolutely delicious. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of homemade comfort. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a cherished family favorite for generations to come!
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Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe is a classic, moist and flavorful loaf that tastes just like your grandmother used to make. Perfectly sweetened with ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla, it features a tender crumb enriched with butter and optionally studded with nuts. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread satisfies banana bread cravings with a nostalgic touch.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then, stir in the mashed bananas and pure vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, so mix gently.
- Add Nuts: If desired, carefully fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra moist banana bread, use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots.
- You can add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter variation.
- This bread keeps well at room temperature when wrapped for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the banana bread for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
