There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen. This Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe is simple, classic, and delivers a moist, tender loaf every time. With ripe bananas, a hint of vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy treat with your afternoon coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Classic, timeless flavor everyone loves
✔️ Moist and tender every time
✔️ Uses ripe bananas—great way to reduce food waste
✔️ Easy to bake with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
- 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. - Mix wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Stir in melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. - Combine dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. - Mix together:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing. If desired, stir in walnuts. - Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and serve:
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy plain, with butter, or even a drizzle of honey.
Tips & Variations
- Extra moist: Add 2–3 tablespoons of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
- Chocolate lovers: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon.
- Make muffins: Bake the batter in a lined muffin tin for 18–22 minutes for individual portions.
Storage
- Keep banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food—sweet, moist, and perfectly satisfying. It’s a simple way to use up ripe bananas and create a treat that feels homemade and nostalgic.
