If you’re on a quest for cozy kitchen nostalgia, nothing quite compares to a slice of Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made. This classic recipe brings together ripe bananas, pantry staples, and a sprinkle of love, just like grandma used to do. It’s the perfect way to use up those spotty bananas sitting on your counter and fill your home with the warm, irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. Whether toasted with a slather of butter or enjoyed straight from the loaf, every bite is pure comfort food bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of essential ingredients, you can whip up something truly special. Each item in this recipe has a purpose—from flavor and texture to color and structure—and together, they create the most delicious Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made.
- Ripe bananas (3, mashed): The spottier the better; overripe bananas add unbeatable sweetness and moisture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Softened butter gives the bread a rich, tender crumb and that irresistible buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides just the right amount of sweetness, bringing out banana’s natural sugars.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs give structure and a golden hue to the loaf.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash for comforting, rounded flavor notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone that holds everything together.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): For a perfectly risen, fluffy loaf every time.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of spice that adds warmth and depth.
- Milk (1/4 cup, optional): For a super-moist loaf, especially if your bananas are a bit small.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Brings a lovely crunch and nutty richness (or swap in chocolate chips for a sweet treat).
How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made bakes evenly and pops right out of the pan when it’s cool. If you have parchment paper, you can also line the bottom of the pan for extra insurance against sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps your bread rise to tender perfection. You’ll know it’s right when the texture looks pale and a little billowy.
Step 3: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition—this is key for a silky-smooth batter. Next, stir in the vanilla extract for a subtle, homey fragrance. Finally, fold in those beautifully mashed bananas until everything is one big banana-hugged bowl of happiness.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking dry ingredients ensures the baking soda and spices get evenly distributed, which means your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made bakes up with perfect texture and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing can make your bread tough. At this stage, pour in the optional milk for extra moisture if you like, and gently fold in the nuts or chocolate chips if you’re using them. Don’t worry if your batter looks a little lumpy; rustic is exactly what you want.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake
Pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. When a toothpick slipped into the center comes out clean (or with just a crumb or two), you’re in business! Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made
Garnishes
A little garnish makes every slice that much more special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a scattering of extra nuts on top. For a decadent twist, a smear of softened butter or cream cheese is simply heavenly on a warm slice of Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made.
Side Dishes
Pair this banana bread with a hot mug of coffee or tea for a classic breakfast or afternoon treat. For a heartier spread, add fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a little cup of homemade jam. No matter how you serve it, this bread shines bright on any brunch table.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made into something new by slicing, toasting, and topping with nut butter and berries. Cut it into cubes for a fun dessert fondue with melted chocolate. Or serve it as a base for a luscious bread pudding—there’s no end to the inspired treats you can make!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover slices, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens as it sits, making each bite of Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made even more delightful on the second or third day.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or let slices come to room temperature for an easy snack that feels freshly baked.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until warmed through. This quickly brings back the softness and aroma of Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made, making every bite just as wonderful as the first.
FAQs
Can I make this banana bread without nuts?
Absolutely! Just leave the nuts out if you prefer a smoother texture. Or, for extra fun, try swapping in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes.
What kind of bananas work best?
The riper, the better. Bananas with lots of brown spots on the peel are ideal—they’re sweeter, softer, and pack the bread with moisture and flavor.
Can I turn this recipe into muffins?
Yes! Simply divide the batter among greased or lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a crumb or two, Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made is ready. If you see wet batter, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar or use a substitute?
You can reduce the granulated sugar by a couple of tablespoons if you like less sweetness. Alternatively, using coconut sugar or a blend of white and brown sugar gives a hint of caramel flavor and still keeps the loaf moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing like homemade Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made—every bite is full of comfort and sweet memories. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or sneak a slice for a midnight snack, I hope this recipe finds a happy home in your kitchen and becomes a cherished favorite for years to come.
Print
Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe is a classic, just like your grandmother used to make. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up those overripe bananas. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup milk (optional for added moisture)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Milk and Nuts: Stir in the milk if using for added moisture, and fold in the nuts if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Notes:
- You can leave out the nuts for a smoother texture or substitute them with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Overripe bananas yield the best flavor and moisture.
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