If you’re craving a comforting, classic treat that feels like a warm hug from the past, you can’t go wrong with the Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe. This timeless favorite brings together ripe bananas, simple pantry staples, and a touch of vanilla to create a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and filled with nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweetness, tender crumb, and just a hint of spice that makes banana bread so irresistible. It’s an easy way to enjoy a slice of tradition with every bite.

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that classic banana bread taste and texture. From the richness of softened butter to the sweetness of ripe bananas, these basics come together perfectly to make a loaf that’s moist, tender, and satisfying.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the bread a rich, tender crumb and subtle buttery flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the natural banana sweetness and helps achieve a lovely crust.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the loaf.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas): The star ingredient, providing sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
1/4 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and keeps the bread soft without being dense.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread, giving it strength and structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Offers a warm, cozy hint of spice, perfect for an extra layer of flavor.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma, if you fancy a bit of texture.

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your loaf bakes evenly from the get-go. Next, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and help your banana bread slide out beautifully once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is key—it incorporates air, making your bread lighter and giving it that tender crumb that feels just like grandma’s.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. After that, stir in the fragrant vanilla extract. This step adds richness and a comforting aroma that sets the tone for your loaf.

Step 4: Mix in Bananas and Milk

Fold in the mashed ripe bananas along with the whole milk. Stir gently until everything is well combined. The bananas bring moisture and natural sweetness, while the milk softens the batter for that perfect texture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold into Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the banana batter, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bread tender and moist.

Step 6: Add Nuts (Optional)

If you’re a fan of a bit of crunch, gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans now. These nuts add a delightful contrast to the soft crumb and elevate the traditional flavor profile.

Step 7: Pour Batter and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread’s color, and start testing for doneness around the 60-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important because it allows the flavors to settle and the bread to firm up for easier slicing.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe

Garnishes

While this bread tastes fantastic on its own, a light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey can add a luxurious touch. For a special occasion, top slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to make every bite feel celebratory.

Side Dishes

Pair your banana bread with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a classic combo. For brunch, it also complements fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait beautifully, turning a simple snack into a full, satisfying treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bread into small cubes and serving as part of a dessert board alongside cheeses and nuts. You can even toast slices lightly and spread your favorite nut butter for a fun twist that keeps this old fashioned classic exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, maintaining its moist and tender texture just like freshly baked.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the cooled bread and wrap individual pieces or the whole loaf in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this comforting treat anytime.

Reheating

To bring your banana bread back to that freshly baked feel, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly. Adding a little butter on top when reheating gives it a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe because they’re sweeter and easier to mash, giving your bread more flavor and moisture.

What if I don’t have nuts? Can I leave them out?

Definitely, the nuts are optional. Leaving them out won’t affect the structure or basic flavor of your bread, so feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free loaf or have allergies to consider.

Why is my banana bread dense instead of light?

If your bread turns out dense, you may have overmixed the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined helps keep the bread tender and airy, so be gentle when folding in flour.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How ripe should the bananas be?

Look for bananas that are fully yellow with lots of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe will be.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe is a beautiful way to fill your kitchen with warmth and share a piece of homestyle goodness with your loved ones. It’s straightforward, reliable, and yields a loaf that’s just as comforting as you remember from childhood. So, grab those ripe bananas and get ready to bake a classic that will surely become a new favorite in your home.

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe

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4.2 from 90 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe delivers moist, flavorful banana bread just like your grandmother used to make. Featuring ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and optional crunchy nuts, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a comforting dessert. The recipe uses traditional baking techniques and simple ingredients to achieve a tender crumb and delicious taste that’s nostalgic and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
1/4 cup whole milk

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Optional Add-ins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the banana bread releases easily after baking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
Mix in Bananas and Milk: Add the mashed ripe bananas and whole milk to the wet mixture. Mix until well combined to create the banana base for the bread.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
Add Nuts (Optional): If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to promote even baking.
Bake the Bread: Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the bread is fully cooked through.
Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this classic treat!

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread.
You can substitute milk with buttermilk or yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch but are optional if you prefer nut-free bread.
Store leftover banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American