Growing up, I was always in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, learning the art of simple, wholesome meals. Some of my fondest memories involve the scent of fresh bread wafting through the house, signaling that something wonderful was coming out of the oven. My Aunty Mary from New Zealand passed down this banana bread recipe, and while I’ve made a few tweaks over the years, the essence of her recipe remains the same.
The beauty of Old-Fashioned Banana Bread is that it’s not about perfection; it’s about love and tradition. The banana bread you’ll make today is not just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a way to create your own memories in the kitchen. I hope this recipe becomes as beloved in your family as it is in mine.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (white or brown, depending on your preference)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (optional, but adds extra moisture and tenderness)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the banana bread.
Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher. I love to leave a few small chunks for texture, but if you prefer a smoother bread, feel free to mash them completely.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Add the Baking Soda and Salt:
Sprinkle in the baking soda and pinch of salt, stirring to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the banana mixture, stirring gently until it’s just combined. If you’re using buttermilk, now’s the time to add it. It’ll give your banana bread an extra dose of richness and tenderness.
Pour into the Pan and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool and Serve:
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy!
Tips and Advice for Perfect Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas: The key to great banana bread is using bananas that are overripe, ideally with brown spots. The extra sweetness and moisture from overripe bananas make all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: While it’s optional, buttermilk adds an irresistible tenderness and moisture that will make your banana bread extra soft and fluffy.
- Fold, Don’t Stir: When adding the dry ingredients, fold them into the wet mixture rather than stirring aggressively. This helps avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense loaf.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor: If you like a bit of extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips, walnuts, or cinnamon. You can also swirl in some peanut butter for a fun twist.
- Make Muffins for a Quick Snack: If you’re short on time, bake the banana bread batter into muffins instead. Simply reduce the bake time to 18-20 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure they’re done.
How to Keep Your Banana Bread Fresh
Banana bread is best enjoyed within a couple of days, but there are a few tricks to keeping it fresh longer:
- Store Properly: Once your banana bread is cool, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps preserve the moisture.
- Freeze for Later: If you’re not going to eat it right away, slice your banana bread and wrap it in plastic wrap before freezing it. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature for a quick snack.
- Avoid Staleness: Keep your banana bread in a cool, dry place to prevent it from going stale too quickly. If stored properly, it can last up to a week.
FAQ For Old-Fashioned Banana Bread
What’s the secret to good banana bread?
The secret to great banana bread is overripe bananas. The more spots and brown patches on your bananas, the better. This ensures the bread is moist and naturally sweet. Also, don’t overmix the batter—mix just enough to combine everything!
What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?
The most common mistake is overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a dense, chewy loaf instead of a light and fluffy one. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined.
How long should banana bread sit?
Banana bread should cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to avoid mushy slices.
What makes banana bread moist?
The moisture in banana bread comes from the overripe bananas, buttermilk, and the butter or oil you use. Buttermilk is particularly great at adding tenderness without making the bread greasy.
How do you keep banana bread from going stale?
To keep banana bread from going stale, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, consider freezing it.
How overripe is too overripe for banana bread?
Bananas are perfect for banana bread when they are very ripe, but if the banana is black and oozing, it may be too far gone for baking. However, if they are just very brown and soft, they’re ideal!
Final Thoughts on Old-Fashioned Banana Bread
Banana bread is a simple, comforting treat that can bring joy to any day. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast, a special gathering, or just because you have some overripe bananas lying around, this Old-Fashioned Banana Bread recipe will not disappoint.
Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life don’t need to be fancy—they just need to be made with love. I hope this recipe becomes as much of a tradition in your home as it has in mine.
Related Recipes from Golden Bite Recipes:
If you enjoyed this Old-Fashioned Banana Bread, here are some more of my favorite recipes:
- Sourdough Chocolate Chip Muffins from Scratch
- Cake Mix Banana Bread
- 4 Ingredient Banana Bread
- Maple Banana Bread