Old Fashioned Banana Bread
A classic banana bread recipe, perfect for using up overripe bananas. Moist and fragrant, it's an ideal baking project for everyone.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 very ripe bananas)
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Add for extra texture
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and mashed bananas until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in nuts if using. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Serve with butter, cream cheese, or ice cream for added delight. Store cooled bread wrapped tightly for a few days at room temperature, or refrigerate or freeze for longer shelf life. Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and don’t overmix the batter.