This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is incredibly moist, full of banana flavor, and the perfect way to use up those extra ripe bananas. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, this recipe captures the nostalgic comfort of homemade baking. Each slice is soft, tender, and slightly sticky — just like grandma used to make.
Whether you enjoy it warm with butter for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat, this is the only banana bread recipe you’ll ever need.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- ➜ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- ➜ Mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small chunks.
- ➜ Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- ➜ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold into the banana mixture until just combined — do not overmix.
- ➜ Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- ➜ Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- ➜ Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips & FAQs
How ripe should bananas be?
The darker and spottier, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and make the bread extra moist.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes! Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I make muffins instead?
Absolutely! Divide batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Summary
Classic, comforting, and rich in banana flavor — the perfect homemade treat.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 260 | 4g | 34g | 12g | 1g | 17g |
Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on ingredients.
