There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? It takes me back to my childhood, where my grandma would whip up her famous Old Fashioned Banana Bread on lazy Sunday afternoons. If you’re like me and love a good slice of moist, flavorful banana bread, then you’re in for a treat! This recipe is not only simple but also perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick family dinner or a delightful dessert. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- This banana bread is incredibly moist and dense, making it the perfect treat for any time of day.
- It’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or enjoying all by yourself!
- It’s a classic recipe that brings back memories of grandma baking in the kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Old Fashioned Banana Bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 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
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part—baking! Follow these simple steps to create the most moist banana bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9X5 loaf pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper.
- Add the 3 extra ripe bananas to a large bowl. Using a fork, mash the bananas until smooth. Then, add the sugar and mix to combine.
- Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and canola oil until well blended.
- Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Then, add this dry mixture to the banana mixture. Stir just until combined; be careful not to overmix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool completely before removing it from the pan. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The more brown spots, the better!
- Don’t skip the sifting step; it helps to aerate the flour and results in a lighter texture.
- If you want to add a twist, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- For a touch of warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
How to Serve
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Spread a little butter on a warm slice for a classic touch.
- Top with cream cheese for a rich and creamy addition.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Serve it alongside your favorite easy pasta recipes for a comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
This banana bread is perfect for making ahead of time! Here are some storage tips:
- Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, I hope you enjoy making this Moist Dense Banana Bread as much as I do! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick family dinner or a sweet treat to share. Happy baking!
Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5 loaf pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl, then add sugar and mix.
- Stir in eggs, vanilla, and canola oil until combined.
- Sift flour, baking soda, and salt; add to banana mixture and stir just until combined.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before removing from pan.