Old Fashioned Banana Bread
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of home baking. The recipe celebrates the sweet, rich flavor of ripe bananas, creating a moist and tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread is sure to please everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: The use of extra ripe bananas ensures that each slice is soft and flavorful.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious loaf in no time.
- Versatile Occasions: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert after dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This banana bread appeals to all ages and can be enjoyed plain or with toppings like butter or cream cheese.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since you make everything in one bowl.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Old Fashioned Banana Bread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9X5 loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (optional)
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9X5 loaf pan: The ideal size for achieving the perfect bake on your banana bread.
- Mixing bowl: A larger bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Fork or potato masher: Essential for mashing bananas to the right consistency for the best flavor.
Ingredients
This old fashioned banana bread is incredibly moist, flavorful and the perfect recipe to use up those extra ripe bananas. It’s the only banana bread recipe you will ever need!
For the Batter
- 3 Medium-size bananas, extra ripe (mashed, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup Canola oil
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups All-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9X5 loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining the bottom and two sides with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, add your three extra ripe bananas. Use a fork to mash them until smooth. You should have about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. Then, add in the sugar and mix well until combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in two large eggs (make sure they are at room temperature), one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one-third cup of canola oil into the banana mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together one and one-third cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let your banana bread cool completely in the pan before removing it. This step helps maintain its moisture and makes slicing easier. Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Banana Bread!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Old fashioned banana bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served plain, toasted, or with toppings, this moist banana bread can suit any occasion.
Toasted with Butter
- Spread a thin layer of butter on warm slices for a rich flavor.
With Nut Butter
- Pair your banana bread with almond or peanut butter for added protein and creaminess.
Topped with Fresh Fruits
- Add sliced strawberries or bananas on top for extra freshness and flavor.
Served with Yogurt
- Enjoy slices alongside a bowl of yogurt for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Drizzled with Honey
- A drizzle of honey enhances the sweetness and adds a nice glaze.
As a Dessert with Ice Cream
- Serve warm banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Achieving the perfect old fashioned banana bread involves careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your loaf turns out delicious every time.
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Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir until just combined.
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Check your oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
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Add nuts or chocolate chips: Incorporating walnuts or chocolate adds texture and richness to the flavor.
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Cool before slicing: Letting the bread cool completely helps it set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Old fashioned banana bread pairs well with various side dishes that complement its sweet and moist texture. Here are some great options to consider serving alongside this classic treat.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the banana bread.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy, filling option.
- Cottage Cheese: This protein-packed side pairs well, adding creaminess and mild flavor.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds can enhance your breakfast experience.
- Scrambled Eggs: Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a savory touch that complements the sweetness.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can provide a hearty and nutritious side that works well at breakfast.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Light yet satisfying, chia pudding offers a lovely contrast in texture when paired with banana bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making banana bread can be straightforward, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and flavor needed for old fashioned banana bread. Always opt for extra ripe bananas for the best taste.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough bread. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a moist texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your banana bread dense. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining the pan can result in sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Ignoring baking time: Overbaking will dry out your banana bread. Start checking at 45 minutes and remove it once a toothpick comes out clean.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Old Fashioned Banana Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Old Fashioned Banana Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Old Fashioned Banana Bread is done?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly, making it denser.
What can I add to my Old Fashioned Banana Bread?
Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover Old Fashioned Banana Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for freshness.
Final Thoughts
This old fashioned banana bread is not only incredibly moist but also versatile. You can easily customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become your go-to banana bread!
Old Fashioned Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Banana Bread is a timeless classic that brings the warmth of home baking right to your kitchen. With its rich flavor from ripe bananas, this moist and tender loaf makes for an ideal breakfast or dessert option. Perfectly delightful with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a treat in the afternoon, this recipe will surely be a hit with family and friends. Easy to make in just one bowl, it requires minimal cleanup and can be customized with your favorite additions like nuts or chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9X5 loaf pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Mix in sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and canola oil; stir until fully incorporated.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool in the pan before slicing; enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
