Description
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread is a classic, moist, and comforting treat that balances simple, rich flavors with a tender crumb. Made with ripe bananas and warm spices, this easy-to-make loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Its versatility allows for customization with nuts, chocolate chips, or dietary alternatives, making it a timeless favorite for families and bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (overripe with brown spots), mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup sugar (granulated or brown)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas: Begin by mashing two to three ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth but still slightly chunky to retain some texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In the same bowl, stir in melted butter, beaten eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and glossy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently just until no streaks of flour remain to avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely for the best slices.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and avoid a dense texture.
- Check for doneness starting at 50 minutes, as oven temperatures may vary.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for smooth blending.
- Fold in nuts or chocolate chips at the end to prevent sinking during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 to 65 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: banana bread, old-fashioned, classic, moist banana bread, homemade banana bread, easy banana bread, baked goods