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?
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!
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!
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.