Old-fashioned banana bread is a timeless treat that brings comfort and nostalgia with every slice. With its moist texture, sweet banana flavor, and subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla, this classic recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas and makes an irresistible breakfast, snack, or dessert. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted with a smear of butter, it’s the kind of bread that makes your kitchen smell like home.
To make this banana bread, start with ripe bananas- ideally, the more speckled and soft, the better. Mash the bananas until smooth and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and a touch of cinnamon. In another large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract for added flavor.
Next, fold in the mashed bananas, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy, which is a hallmark of old-fashioned banana bread. For added texture and flavor, you can fold in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, though this is entirely optional.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The result is a beautifully golden-brown loaf with a soft, moist crumb and a slight sweetness from the ripe bananas.
Old-fashioned banana bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it also keeps well for several days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy mornings or afternoon snacks. Serve it plain or with a slather of peanut butter or cream cheese for an extra treat. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this banana bread is sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Banana bread is the best! Just the right amount of sweetness! But it took longer than 60 mins for me to bake. Maybe my oven is weak?
Simple and tasty! But used some old bananas… They had a few spots on them, lol. Still came out great.
Easy to make! I used brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor. Yum! 🍌
Wait, you put butter in banana bread?? I just use oil… 🤷♂️
Not sure about this one… My bread came out too dense. Did I mix it too much? I followed the recipe exactly but I think I need to tweak it next time.
Don’t worry! It happens. Overmixing can make it dense. Next time, mix just until you don’t see flour anymore.
This banana bread is absolutely delightful! It turned out so moist and flavorful. My whole family loved it! Will definitely make again.
I think banana bread should be more dense. This sounds too fluffy for my taste.
It was ok. I thought there was gonna be chocolate but it was just bread with bananas. Not for me.
Too much sugar, I think. I cut it down to 3/4 cup and it was still sweet!
I’ve always thought banana bread was supposed to be a little sweet! Maybe it depends on the ripeness of the bananas you use? Just a thought!
3/4 of a cup is still a lot. How about just skipping sugar altogether? I think it will taste fine. Just bananas, right?
I accidentally only had salted butter, so I cut the salt a tiny bit. Turned out fine, not too salty. Next time I’ll use unsalted like the recipe says though.
Honestly I think salted butter should be fine every time. Like, just add less salt and you’re good. Mine never comes out salty either. 😅
Good save! Salted vs unsalted always messes with me a little—glad it wasn’t too salty. Next time you’ll be golden.
How do you mash banana? Do you use a fork? I’m confused.
Banana bread is famous! This recipe is too. Yum yum! Only took me half and hour to bake.
Seems too simple, I like my recipes with more *stuff*. Maybe try adding nuts.
5/5. I swear this disappeared faster than I could slice it. Also my kid said it’s ‘breakfast cake’ so… win.
Mine usually takes like 90 mins… maybe my oven runs cold? But yeah bananas + quick bread is always dangerous. I’d still cut it while it’s a little warm though 😅
5/5 indeed 😄 I know that feeling—one minute it’s in the oven, next minute it’s gone. Also “breakfast cake” is the cutest review ever. I’m stealing that line!
Not bad, but I found it overly sweet. Maybe cut the sugar to 3/4 cup? I’ll try again with less next time.
Bread good. Banana nice. Make again.
I love banana bread! It’s super easy and good for breakfast.
This banana bread recipe is fantastic! So moist and flavorful!
Banana bread is just cake but in a loaf form. Not excited.
I see your point, but banana bread has its own charm! It’s perfect with a cup of tea. Give it a try! 🍌
I have a question. Can I skip the eggs? I’m allergic but I want to make this.
You can definitely skip the eggs! Just use an extra banana or a bit of unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. It should still turn out yummy!
My loaf never browned much and took longer than 60 minutes. I ended up baking closer to 70-75, and it finally set. Flavor was great once it was done!
Meh, didn’t taste like my grandma’s. Sorry, but this was a letdown. 😕
This banana bread was a hit with my family! So moist and delicious. Definitely making it again!
I followed the recipe but it came out too dense. What did I do wrong?
I tried this recipe but the bread came out too dense.
Bananas in bread? Why not just eat them plain? 🤔
Bananas should be brown and squishy for best bread! Not sure if you need the sugar tho…
I didn’t know about the sugar! I always thought it was needed for sweetness. But yeah, brown bananas are the best for bread!
This is the best banana bread ever. My grandma used to make it like this!
Honestly, I don’t get what the big deal is. It was just alright. I’ve had better.
I agree! This bread is amazing, it smells so good while baking too! Grandma knows best!
Yummm! Just made it and my house smells amazing. Definitely will make again!
I made it too and it’s delicious! I used walnuts, yum! 🤤
Very good recipe! But I used brown sugar instead of white and it was a hit!
I don’t know about this recipe. Mine turned out a bit too dense. Maybe I mixed it too much?
Banana bread is my weakness and this recipe did not disappoint. Easy steps, and using melted butter makes it bake up so tender.
I burned the top a little because I got distracted 😅. Still ate it and it was tasty. Might need foil tent after 40 min.
So good!!! 🍌❤️
I had high hopes, but it turned out too gooey in the middle. Maybe I did somethin’ wrong?
I think it might be the baking time! Sometimes, every oven is different. Did you check it with the toothpick?
Maybe try less bananas next time? I heard that too many can make it mushy.
Not gonna lie, mine came out a little dense. Maybe I overmixed the flour? I was worried about lumps, so I kept stirring. Still tasted good.
Yum!! I added some walnuts and chocolate chips – amazing!
I made this with my kids and they loved it! Easy peasy!
I dunno, I messed it up but it still tasted decent. Cooking ain’t my thing!
Really? You messed it up? I’ve made it before and it was a flop. Maybe follow the steps closer next time?
Hey, it’s cool! Banana bread is pretty forgiving. If it tastes good, that’s what matters! Just keep at it!
My mom made banana bread like this when I was a kid. Brings back memories. 🙂
That’s so sweet! Banana bread has a way of making us nostalgic. I love how it’s such a comfort food.
I dunno, sometimes banana bread can be too mushy for my taste. But whatever works for ya!
This banana bread is amazing! I made it exactly as the recipe says, and it turned out perfectly! It was so moist and delicious. Will definitely make again!
I’m glad to hear it turned out well! Banana bread is a classic! 🍌
I followed the instructions perfectly and my bread came out burned! What went wrong?
One star less because my top cracked hard—like dramatic cracked. But it tasted amazing. I’m blaming my oven hot spots.
1 star bc mine cracked too and i dunno what i did wrong. but i left it in like 55 min and it was kinda gummy. maybe my bananas werent ripe enuf? anyway taste was still good 😂
Oof, those dramatic cracks! 😅 I’m glad it still tasted amazing though. Hot spots can do that—next time maybe rotate the pan halfway through or use a more even rack position. Also make sure your oven temp is actually 350°F (oven thermometers help).
Recipe is good, but can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Or will it ruin it?
You can totally add nuts or chocolate chips! It’ll just make it even better. I do it all the time!
YUM!
This banana bread is the best I’ve ever made! So moist and delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Too sweet for my taste, I think less sugar would be better.
Why do ppl like banana bread? It just tastes like mush. Tried this recipe and it did not change my mind.
Really good recipe! I added some walnuts for crunch. Delicious! 🤤
I’m glad you liked it! Walnuts sound like a great addition. I might try that next time! 🥳
Wait, you put walnuts in banana bread? That sounds weird… 🤨 I thought it’s just bananas and stuff.
This turned out so moist and flavorful! I used bananas that were basically black and it really paid off. The baking time was spot on for me—came out clean with a toothpick at ~60 minutes.
This banana bread is amazing! So moist and delicious. I added walnuts for an extra crunch.
I tried this recipe and it was great! The walnuts really do add a nice crunch. Thanks for sharing!
Really? I don’t know… banana bread should be more chocolatey. This sounds kinda plain to me. 🤔
I think there’s too much sugar! It was too sweet for my taste.
I followed it pretty much exactly, but mine took closer to 70 minutes to get a clean toothpick. Still turned out great though—nice crumb and not too sweet.
Yummy! I used cinnamon and it gave it an extra punch! 😋
This is easy to make and tastes great. I will use this recipe again!
This banana bread recipe is absolutely spot on! Came out so moist and tasty. I’ll definitely be making it again!
I’m so glad to hear that! I’ve also made this recipe and it was a hit with my family. It’s definitely a keeper!
Really? I tried it and it came out kinda dry. Maybe I did something wrong? What did you do different?
I’m not sure about the 1 cup sugar—seems like a lot for banana bread. I’ll probably cut it in half next time. Still tasted good, just too sweet for me.
Totally get you—1 cup sugar is pretty sweet in banana bread, especially if your bananas are already really ripe. Cutting it in half is a smart move and you’ll still get the banana flavor.
I don’t know, my bread turned out kinda weird. Maybe it was my bananas?
Don’t worry! Bananas can vary a lot. Just make sure they are really ripe next time. That might help!
I think it might have been your oven temp. My bread always acts weird if the oven’s not right.
Super easy! I just mashed the bananas with a fork and it turned out great! Love it.
This banana bread is a hit! Super moist and delicious! 😋
I’m skeptical about the 1/2 cup butter—feels low? Also my bananas were huge so I had extra batter. I’d probably add a little more flour next time.
Bananas weren’t ripe enough in my case, so the flavor felt muted. If you use truly ripe bananas, I bet it’s way better. Lesson learned.
This banana bread recipe is THE BEST! So moist and delicious!
This is not like my grandma’s banana bread! She adds nuts and cinnamon. Also, is it supposed to be this sweet?
So easy!! Banana bread for the win.
I made this for my grandma and she loved it! Thanks for sharing!
This is seriously the definition of cozy. Super moist and the banana flavor is right on. I added a handful of walnuts and it still baked perfectly at ~60 minutes.
I tried it and it came out gummy in the middle. I’m not sure if I underbaked or if my pan is smaller. Disappointing.
Not sure why this is called ‘old-fashioned.’ Is there something fancy about it?
Mine came out a little dense. I think I overmixed when adding the flour (oops). Next time I’ll stir just until combined like the instructions say.
I burnt mine!!! 😭 Followed the time exactly but my oven is weird. What did I do wrong?
Bread nice. 🙂
I think you forgot the eggs in the instructions – I can’t believe how runny my batter was!
Took me back to my childhood! Just like Mom used to make.
This banana bread is the best! Super moist and easy to make.
Mine turned out kinda dense. I might’ve overmixed the flour part (oops). Still tasted good though, just not that tender crumb I wanted.
350°F for 60 minutes felt long—my loaf was done at like 45. Toothpick came clean early. Recipe still worked fine.
Why do people love bananas?! I tried this and it’s just mushy bread, yuck! Not for me.
Mushy bread? That’s kinda harsh! I think it’s delicious and moist. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
I actually love banana bread! It’s all about the texture and flavor for me. Maybe you didn’t use ripe enough bananas?
Banana bread is easy, just like, throw all the ingredients together. This recipe worked fine for me.
Good but kind of basic. I’m looking for something more adventurous next time!
I followed the recipe but my bread turned out gummy. Maybe I overmixed?
i added nuts and choclate chips to mine, so good! Best banana bread i ever made! 10 outta 10!
Sounds delicious! The extra nuts and chocolate chips must really add to it! I might try that next time.
Looks great, tastes great—no notes. The salt measurement felt tiny but it actually balanced everything out.
Agree! The bananas really carry the flavor, so that salt doesn’t feel like much but it does the balancing thing. Perfect loaf 😄
Followed the steps exactly and it rose nicely. Mine took closer to 65 minutes, but the toothpick came out clean eventually. Would totally bake again.
Simple and classic recipe! A great way to use up old bananas. Perfect with a little butter spread on top!
I followed the steps but it didn’t rise much. Could my baking soda be old? Also my bananas weren’t as ripe as I thought.
Mine did that once. I think I didn’t mix the baking soda enough? And also my bananas were kinda yellow not brown… still tasted good tho 😅
Yep—old baking soda can absolutely cause low lift. I’d also check your oven temp (even a little off matters). And banana bread can get a bit denser if the bananas aren’t super spotty ripe.
Eh, it was okay. I expected more flavor. Might try adding some nuts next time.
I totally get that! Maybe some walnuts or pecans would really amp it up. Good luck next time!
I used slightly under-ripe bananas and it tasted more like sweet bread than banana bread. Still yummy, just not as bold. Moral: use very ripe bananas!
Good tip! I always wait until the bananas are super spotty—then it comes out way more banana-y. Sweet bread is still a win though 😄
Pretty solid, but I think 60 minutes was a bit long for my oven. I checked at 50 and it was already perfect. Next time I’ll lower temp slightly.
Bananabread is good but I made it once and used peanut butter instead of butter. Didn’t work out very well.
I don’t know, it seemed too sweet for me. I think I might reduce the sugar next time. But my kids loved it!
I dunno, I followed everything and it still came out kinda dry. Maybe my bananas weren’t ripe enough? 😕
Yeah, ripe bananas are key! Maybe try letting them sit out a few days next time. I’ve made the mistake too. 🤷♀️
Ugh, dry banana bread? That sucks! Mine always turns out moist, I think it might be the butter or over-mixing? Just a thought.
Wow, easy and genuinely old-school. The texture is perfect—tender crumb, not gummy. My family asked for seconds and I didn’t even get to cool it all the way.
This is exactly the cozy banana bread I remember—sweet, moist, and not overly complicated. I used very ripe bananas and it turned out great!
Pretty good, but mine was a bit dense. I think I overmixed after adding the flour. Next time I’ll be more gentle—still delicious though.
Dense usually means too much flour or not enough baking soda? I always mix mine for like 2 mins and it’s fine, but maybe my bananas are wetter. Next time try less mixing—also did you measure flour by scooping? (Sounds silly, but it matters.)
Totally makes sense—once the flour goes in, banana bread can turn dense fast. “Stir just until combined” is the hardest part 😅 Glad it still tasted good though!
Love how simple this is! My kids devoured it. 🍌
Not bad, but I expected it to be sweeter. Maybe my bananas weren’t sweet enough? Still ate it all though. Would make again with a pinch more vanilla or sugar.
Yeah I get that—bananas can vary a lot. Next time I’d add a little more sugar *or* choose super spotty bananas. Glad you still finished it though!
This is such an old-school recipe—no nonsense, just good banana bread. I love that it doesn’t require fancy stuff like yogurt or sour cream.
Way better than I expected. The banana flavor really comes through, and the crumb is nice. I baked mine 5 minutes less and it was spot on.
I messed up and used baking powder instead of baking soda. It rose a bit but tasted kinda flat. Wouldn’t recommend my version, but the recipe seems legit with the right ingredient.
Came out perfect for me. I know 350F is the sweet spot. Family devoured it fast 😅
The butter amount feels off? Like 1/2 cup is a lot for me, but I went with it. It ended up rich and buttery, so maybe I’m just used to lighter recipes.
Really good classic flavor, but mine was a little dense in the middle. I think I overmixed the flour step—next time I’ll stir only until just combined like the instructions say.
Happens to me too. I swear my bananas were extra wet and then I mixed more than I should’ve. Still tasted great though lol. Also maybe your oven runs hot/cold—mine sometimes needs 5-10 extra minutes for the center to set.
That totally tracks—overmixing the flour can make it tough and more dense in the middle. Next time “just until combined” is the move. Did you also let it bake the full 60 minutes or start checking with a toothpick a bit earlier?
This is my go-to banana bread. Used super ripe bananas and it came out moist and fragrant—exact timing too. My kitchen smelled amazing.
Am I the only one who forgot to grease the pan and then it stuck? 😅 Tasted good but half the crust came off. Would try again with the greasing.
Meh. It’s banana bread, but I found it kind of bland. Next time I’ll add cinnamon or chopped nuts.
I think 1/2 cup butter is a lot… mine felt a little greasy on top. Still tasty though, and the crumb was tender.
Wow, I used 1/2 cup butter once and it totally felt greasy like you said. I switched to like 1/3 cup and it browned more evenly. Still delicious though!
Good call—melted butter can make the top a bit greasy if the bananas are extra juicy. I’ve had that happen too, but I think the texture is still better when it cools fully.
Banana bread is banana bread, you know? But this one is actually solid. Easy too, and the smell while baking is unreal.
This tastes exactly like my grandma’s—super moist and flavorful. I used extra vanilla and it came out perfect. Love it.
The crust was amazing, but the center was slightly underbaked at 60 minutes. I think my oven runs cool. After 10 more minutes it was perfect.
I tried it once and it was bland. Like, ok banana bread but not worth the effort. Maybe I used not-ripe bananas again (oops).
My batter was pretty thick (like, paste thick). I was concerned I’d messed up, but it baked up fine. Next time I might mash the bananas a bit more.