Description
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe is a classic, moist, and flavorful treat made with ripe bananas, a hint of vanilla, and optional nuts or chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to deliver a delicious homemade loaf.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter or vegan butter (softened)
- 2 eggs
- 2 mashed ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons milk or almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup flour (can substitute 1/2 whole wheat if you wish)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand-held or stand mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla, eggs, and bananas: Add the vanilla extract and then the eggs one at a time, beating for about 1 minute and scraping the bowl sides as needed. Incorporate the mashed bananas into the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Prepare baking soda milk and mix dry ingredients: Heat the milk in a small saucepan or microwave until just boiling. Stir in the baking soda carefully to allow foaming. Pour this mixture into the batter along with baking powder, salt, and flour. Beat gently just until combined, scraping the bowl sides to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
- Fold in nuts or chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips if using, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor and lower glycemic index.
- Using vegan butter and almond milk makes this recipe dairy-free and suitable for vegans if eggs are substituted with egg replacer.
- Allowing bananas to be very ripe will increase sweetness and moisture in the bread.
- Adding nuts or chocolate chips is optional but adds texture and flavor contrast.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the bread tender.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices and better texture.
