There’s something timeless and cozy about Old Fashioned Banana Bread, isn’t there? With its irresistibly moist crumb, fragrant banana flavor, and golden crust, this classic treat has a way of making any kitchen feel like home. Whether you’re trying to use up a few spotty bananas or just craving a nostalgic bake, this recipe promises a simple process and deeply satisfying results. Old Fashioned Banana Bread is the kind of beloved staple that begs to be shared over coffee, tucked into school lunches, or enjoyed just because—no excuse needed!

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Old Fashioned Banana Bread couldn’t be easier. Each component serves its purpose, coming together to create a loaf with just the right amount of sweetness, tenderness, and old-school charm. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

Bananas: Three extra-ripe bananas are the secret to maximum flavor and a moist texture, so the browner and spottier, the better!
White granulated sugar: Brings essential sweetness and helps with that sweet crust—don’t be tempted to reduce it too much, or you’ll lose balance.
Canola oil: Swapping butter for oil keeps the bread exceptionally tender and gives every bite a plush, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Large eggs: Two eggs provide structure and richness, making the loaf fuller and softer.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon adds a beautiful aromatic layer that works magic with the bananas.
All purpose flour: Sifted first to keep the crumb light, this is your base for the perfect banana bread structure.
Baking soda: Reacts with the acidity in the bananas to give the bread its signature rise and pillowy softness.
Salt: Half a teaspoon enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check, so don’t skip it!

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures even baking. Next, spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, then line the bottom and two sides with a strip of parchment paper. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift the bread out once it’s fully cooled, so you get perfect, clean slices.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Peel those perfectly speckled, extra-ripe bananas and pop them in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork, mash them up until they’re mostly smooth with just a bit of texture remaining. Mashing by hand keeps that homey, hearty feel and releases the full banana flavor that makes Old Fashioned Banana Bread irresistible.

Step 3: Mix in the Sugar, Oil, Eggs, and Vanilla

Add the granulated sugar to your mashed bananas and stir until combined, which helps dissolve the sugar slightly for a smoother crumb. Next, add the canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy—there’s no need for a mixer, just some gentle stirring to bring it all together.

Step 4: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting breaks up any clumps and aerates the flour, ensuring the banana bread turns out light, not dense. Add the dry mixture to your banana mixture and fold everything together just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Over-mixing can make your loaf tough, so keep it gentle!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). Your kitchen will fill with THE most amazing banana aroma. Let the bread cool completely in the pan before removing it—patience here means clean slices later.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of toasted chopped walnuts can add a delightful finish to your loaf. For a classic cafe touch, a few thin banana slices on top before baking will caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Side Dishes

Pair a warm slice of Old Fashioned Banana Bread with a steaming mug of coffee or tea for the ultimate comfort snack. If you’re serving it for brunch, sliced fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a few crispy bacon strips complement the sweetness just right.

Creative Ways to Present

Try toasting a slice and spreading it with salted butter for an extra-indulgent treat. For dessert, cube the bread and layer it with whipped cream and berries as a quick trifle, or make “banana bread French toast” by dipping slices in an egg custard and pan-frying until golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Old Fashioned Banana Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it’ll stay plush and tasty for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in foil and place inside a freezer bag. Old Fashioned Banana Bread can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw on the counter or gently warm before eating. Having ready-to-go banana bread in the freezer is a lifesaver for last-minute guests or snack cravings!

Reheating

For that just-baked experience, warm slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or pop them in the toaster oven for a few minutes. This brings back all the softness and the wonderful aroma, making leftovers truly special.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Just thaw the bananas first and drain off any excess liquid. Frozen bananas work beautifully and actually mash even more easily for Old Fashioned Banana Bread.

What if I only have one or two bananas?

You’ll still get a delicious loaf, but it will be a bit less banana-forward and possibly a bit drier. Consider upping the oil just slightly or reducing the flour by a quarter cup to make up for less moisture.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Fold in a cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans to the batter just before baking. These add-ins take Old Fashioned Banana Bread to a whole new level of texture and flavor.

Why is my banana bread dense?

Most often, dense bread comes from over-mixing the batter or using too much flour. Always sift your flour and fold the mixture just until combined for a tender, classic crumb.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, just pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350 degrees for about 18-22 minutes. Check with a toothpick, just like you would for the loaf!

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Banana Bread is one of those rare, simple recipes that delivers pure joy with every bite. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and brings a bit of comfort to any day. If you’ve been holding onto those bananas, let this be your sign—give this classic loaf a try, and let it become a new (or renewed!) favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!