There’s something truly nostalgic about the smell of banana bread wafting through the house. Growing up, summer at my grandmother’s always meant baskets of overripe bananas on the counter, just waiting to be turned into something magical. Her banana bread wasn’t just food — it was comfort, tradition, and love wrapped in golden, moist slices.
This is Grandma’s classic banana bread recipe — the one she swore by for decades. It’s soft, tender, just sweet enough, and perfect for summer picnics, breakfasts, or an afternoon treat with iced tea. Whether you’re baking it for the first time or the hundredth, this is one recipe that always brings people together.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Recipe
- One Bowl Wonder: No complicated steps or fancy equipment — everything mixes up in one bowl.
- Perfectly Moist: Ripe bananas and the right amount of butter ensure a soft, tender crumb.
- Customizable: Make it yours with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of rum extract.
- Freezer-Friendly: Great for batch baking — freeze slices and enjoy banana bread anytime.
- Tried-and-True: Based on a timeless family recipe passed down through generations.
This recipe hits that sweet spot between nostalgic comfort food and dependable, foolproof baking. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up the perfect loaf:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness preference)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Non-stick spray or butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine — they add texture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add Nuts (Optional)
Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
6. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice once completely cool for the best texture.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas — the blacker the peel, the better the flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to a tough loaf.
- Customize with chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or dried fruit.
- For added moisture, substitute ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for part of the butter.
- Store at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with iced coffee or homemade lemonade for a refreshing summer treat.
- Make banana bread French toast for an indulgent brunch twist.
Want to elevate your banana bread game? Try making banana bread cinnamon rolls for a sweet, swirled version that’s perfect for brunch.
For mini versions that are great for portion control or kids’ snacks, check out this mini banana muffin recipe. You can also explore more ideas under cupcakes and mini muffins.
Love This? Try These
If you love the warm spices and moist texture of banana bread, you’ll likely enjoy this carrot cake cupcake recipe. It offers similar flavor depth with a veggie twist!
Why This Recipe Works
This banana bread recipe balances the perfect ratio of banana to flour, creating a moist crumb that isn’t too dense. The butter adds rich flavor, while the sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas. With simple pantry ingredients, it’s fuss-free and always dependable.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Add ¾ cup chocolate chips.
- Healthy Banana Bread – Swap half the flour with whole wheat and reduce sugar to ½ cup.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Banana Muffins – Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
A Perfect Summer Bake
Unlike heavier desserts, banana bread feels just right in summer. It’s ideal for morning energy, picnic baskets, or a sweet finish to a grilled dinner. If you have kids home for break, it’s a fun and simple baking project for them too.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. 12 slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 kcal |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
Description
This Banana Bread is perfectly moist, sweet, and comforting. Whether you like it classic or with a twist like chocolate chips or nuts, it’s a foolproof favorite for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugars, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined. Fold in nuts or chocolate if using.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
You can freeze slices individually wrapped for quick breakfasts or snacks. Add a little spread of butter for extra indulgence!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: American
FAQs About Banana Bread
Yes! Let them thaw completely and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Wrap it in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually.
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make it heavy. Mix gently and measure ingredients accurately.
Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
Conclusion
There’s a reason banana bread has become a staple in so many kitchens it’s easy, comforting, and universally loved. This recipe, inspired by summers in my grandmother’s kitchen, is the real deal: moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this is the only banana bread recipe you’ll ever need.
Make a loaf, slice it warm, and share it with someone you love. Because in the end, it’s not just banana bread it’s a slice of home.
