This banana bread is just like the one your grandma used to make—soft, moist, and packed with sweet banana flavor. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Nothing beats the smell of this bread baking in the oven! I love spreading a bit of butter on a warm slice. It really takes me back to cozy times in Grandma’s kitchen. 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for the sweetness and moisture in banana bread. Look for ones with lots of brown spots. If you’re short on bananas, consider using unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil. I’ve personally found that using a nut butter can add a fun twist!
Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness. You can adjust the amount according to your taste. For a healthier option, try using honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just remember, liquid sweeteners may affect the texture.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans give extra texture and flavor. If you’re nut-free, try adding chocolate chips or leaving them out entirely! I often skip the nuts if I want a smoother bread.
How Do You Get the Perfect Banana Bread Texture?
Getting that perfect banana bread texture comes down to mixing your batter carefully. The goal is to combine everything without over-mixing, which can make the bread dense. Here’s how to do it right:
- After adding the flour, stir gently until you just see the dry bits disappear. It’s okay if the batter is still a bit lumpy.
- If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at the very end with a gentle touch to avoid breaking up the batter too much.
- Let the batter sit for a few minutes before baking to let the baking soda activate fully; this will result in a fluffier bread.
Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (can adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 60-65 minutes to bake. So, set aside around 1 hour and 15 minutes for the whole process, and get ready for some cozy baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab a 4×8 inch loaf pan and grease it with a little butter or non-stick spray. This will help your banana bread come out easily later!
2. Mix the Bananas and Butter:
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. Then, mix in the melted butter. Stir them together until well combined. The bananas should be creamy and the butter fully blended in.
3. Add the Baking Soda and Salt:
Now it’s time to sprinkle in the baking soda and a pinch of salt. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This little wait will activate the baking soda and help your bread rise perfectly!
4. Combine the Sweet Ingredients:
Next, add in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. It should smell wonderful already!
5. Incorporate the Flour:
Gently add the flour to the banana mixture, stirring just until it is combined. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. This will keep your banana bread fluffy.
6. Add Optional Nuts:
If you like a nutty crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely texture!
7. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread. Now, pop it into the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it comes out sticky, give it a few more minutes!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the banana bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy your nostalgic banana bread with a warm cup of tea or coffee! Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! If you want a healthier option, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may produce a denser bread, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of liquid to maintain the moisture.
What Should I Do If My Bananas Aren’t Ripened?
If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or another ripe banana. Alternatively, you can bake them in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they’re blackened and soft.
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
To store leftover banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices (wrapped individually) for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheating!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins Besides Nuts?
Absolutely! Banana bread is versatile; feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. Just keep an eye on the overall moisture level; if you add a lot of mix-ins, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly to maintain balance.
