Old Fashioned Banana Bread

This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and moisture. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, it is a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. With its rich flavor and tender crumb, this banana bread becomes a family favorite in no time.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Banana Bread
• How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mash the Bananas
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Bake Your Banana Bread
• Step 6: Cool Down Before Serving
• How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread
• With Fresh Fruit
• With Spreads
• As Toast
• With Beverages
• How to Perfect Old Fashioned Banana Bread
• Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Banana Bread
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Old Fashioned Banana Bread
• Reheating Old Fashioned Banana Bread
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Old Fashioned Banana Bread different?
• Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
• How do I know when my banana bread is done?
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
• How long does banana bread last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The combination of ripe bananas and canola oil ensures each slice remains soft and delicious.
• Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a warm loaf baking in the oven before you know it!
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a morning treat, an afternoon snack, or a lovely dessert, this banana bread fits right in.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Simple ingredients come together to create a comforting flavor everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect for Ripe Bananas: This recipe is an excellent way to salvage bananas that have turned too ripe for eating.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating the perfect banana bread.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick spray
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• 9X5 loaf pan
• Sifter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick spray: Prevents the banana bread from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal.
• Parchment paper: Lining the pan helps to lift the bread out easily once it’s baked.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to mix all your ingredients without spilling.

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 Banana Bread

• 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. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, add your three extra ripe bananas. Use a fork to mash them until smooth. Then, add the white granulated sugar and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Stir in the room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, and canola oil into your mashed banana mixture until everything is evenly blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Bake Your Banana Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down Before Serving

Once baked, let your banana bread cool completely in the pan before removing it. This step helps maintain its shape and texture when you slice it. Enjoy!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Old fashioned banana bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast or a delightful dessert, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your banana bread experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a sweet and tangy contrast to the moist banana bread.
• Banana Slices: Enhance the banana flavor by topping your slice with more ripe bananas.
• Berries Medley: A mix of blueberries and raspberries provides a burst of freshness.

With Spreads

• Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
• Peanut Butter: For a protein boost, try spreading peanut butter on warm banana bread.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle honey or syrup for added sweetness and moisture.

As Toast

• Toasted with Butter: Toast slices in the toaster and finish with butter for a crunchy, buttery delight.
• Avocado Smash: Top with smashed avocado for a savory twist that pairs well with the sweetness.

With Beverages

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the flavors perfectly.
• Herbal Tea: Choose a calming herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.

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How to Perfect Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Perfecting old fashioned banana bread is all about technique and care. Follow these tips to ensure your loaf turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your banana bread tender and fluffy.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Before Slicing: Let it cool completely before slicing to maintain its moisture.
• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: For extra flavor and texture, fold in walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Pairing old fashioned banana bread with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this classic recipe.

1. Greek Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds protein and balances the sweetness of the banana bread.
2. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs make for a hearty breakfast alongside banana bread.
3. Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal provides fiber and keeps you full longer; serve it as part of brunch.
4. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings freshness and variety to your plate.
5. Cottage Cheese: High in protein, cottage cheese pairs well with sweet flavors and adds creaminess.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option offers texture and nutrients, making it an excellent side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Old Fashioned Banana Bread can be simple, but many people make common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using underripe bananas: Using firm bananas will not yield the sweet and moist flavor essential for Old Fashioned Banana Bread. Always choose extra ripe bananas with brown spots for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring tools to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.
• Skipping the parchment paper: This can cause your bread to stick to the pan. Always line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Opening the oven door frequently: This can cause temperature fluctuations, affecting baking time and doneness. Only check at the end of baking time.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure it is cooled completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Old Fashioned Banana Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date so you know when it was frozen.

Reheating Old Fashioned Banana Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Old Fashioned Banana Bread different?

Old Fashioned Banana Bread typically uses oil instead of butter, resulting in a moist texture that’s perfect for breakfasts or snacks.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Old Fashioned Banana Bread by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

How do I know when my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, using whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor. However, you might want to mix it with all-purpose flour for better texture.

How long does banana bread last?

When stored properly, Old Fashioned Banana Bread lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it irresistible! You can customize with various ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips, making each loaf unique. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!