If you’re looking for a classic baked treat that delivers familiar comfort and a pop of Southern charm, Paula Deen Banana Bread is sure to steal your heart. With a moist, tender crumb bursting with the rich, natural flavor of ripe bananas, this beloved recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Whether it’s breakfast or an afternoon snack, a freshly baked slice will have you coming back for another—especially when it’s made from this time-tested Southern staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great loaf of Paula Deen Banana Bread comes down to high-quality ingredients and a thoughtful mix of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each adds its own little magic to the final result:
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Butter (softened): Lends rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use real butter for the best results.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s structure and lift.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): The star ingredient! Overripe bananas are sweetest and pack the most flavorful punch.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend all the flavors seamlessly.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the taste with cozy, aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the right foundation for a sturdy, yet soft, loaf.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda to ensure a nicely-raised, fluffy bread.
- Baking soda: Helps with browning and texture—an essential for classic banana bread.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Give a delightful crunch and hint of nuttiness—perfect if you like a little texture in each bite.
How to Make Paula Deen Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Lining your pan with parchment paper is another option for extra-easy removal later. This early step ensures that your Paula Deen Banana Bread lifts out smoothly and bakes evenly from edge to center.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Use a large mixing bowl to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This process adds air to the batter and sets the stage for a light, tender banana bread that’s never heavy.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This careful blending is a simple trick that creates a beautifully smooth and cohesive batter for your soon-to-be Paula Deen Banana Bread.
Step 4: Add the Bananas, Milk, and Vanilla
Stir in your mashed bananas, the milk, and vanilla extract until everything melds together into a glossy, aromatic mixture. The bananas should be extra ripe for maximum moisture and flavor—think lots of brown speckles!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taking a moment with this step makes certain all the leavening agents are evenly dispersed, so your loaf rises to its full glory.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently and only until moistened. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour left. If you’re adding pecans, fold them in now for that delightful Southern crunch.
Step 7: Fill the Pan and Bake
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a couple of crumbs clinging to it.
Step 8: Cool and Unmold
Once your Paula Deen Banana Bread has baked up golden and fragrant, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack, and let it finish cooling completely before slicing, so you get neat pieces every time.
How to Serve Paula Deen Banana Bread
Garnishes
A warm slice of banana bread is wonderful on its own, but a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate each serving. Try a pat of salted butter melting into the crumb, a light smear of cream cheese, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. For a fun twist, add a drizzle of honey or a scatter of extra chopped pecans on top.
Side Dishes
Paula Deen Banana Bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the ideal companion for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. For brunch, serve with Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries. A dollop of whipped cream transforms each slice into a dessert worthy of a dinner party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Present slices on a rustic wooden board, fanned out beside a bowl of fruit for a welcoming look. For special occasions, cut the bread into cubes and serve as part of a dessert trifle layered with custard and bananas. Or package thick slices in parchment with twine for an irresistible homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Paula Deen Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors often develop and improve with a day’s rest, so don’t be afraid to enjoy it slowly.
Freezing
If you want to make banana bread ahead or simply have extra, freezing is a wonderful option. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices well in plastic and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or on the counter for a few hours when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that just-baked experience, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. Warming the bread revives its aroma, softens the crumb, and melts any toppings like butter or cream cheese—pure comfort!
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in Paula Deen Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Walnuts work just as well as pecans, adding a classic nutty crunch. You can also leave out nuts altogether if you prefer a simpler banana bread, or even try chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
The best bananas for Paula Deen Banana Bread are overripe, with lots of brown spots on the skin. These bananas are much sweeter and mash easily, ensuring a moist texture and full banana flavor throughout.
Is it okay to use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can replace white sugar for an extra layer of caramel-like flavor and added moisture. The bread will be a touch richer, and you might love the slight molasses undertone it brings.
Can I make Paula Deen Banana Bread gluten-free?
While the original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend that’s meant for cup-for-cup replacement. Just make sure your mix contains xanthan gum or a binding agent to duplicate the classic texture.
How do I know when my banana bread is fully baked?
Your Paula Deen Banana Bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be deep golden brown and feel springy to the touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing like the cozy aroma and delectable taste of homemade Paula Deen Banana Bread. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or share it with friends over tea, this timeless favorite brings a bit of Southern warmth to any kitchen. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and give this wonderful recipe a try—you won’t regret making it part of your home baking tradition!
Print
Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic comfort of Paula Deen’s Banana Bread recipe. This easy and delicious treat is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in bananas, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add gradually to wet mixture.
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Enhance with cinnamon or brown sugar for extra flavor.
- Try walnuts instead of pecans, or omit nuts altogether.
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