Cast Iron Skillet Banana Bread

This Cast Iron Skillet Banana Bread is moist, flavorful, and baked right in a cast iron skillet for the best results. The cast iron gives it golden, crispy edges while keeping the middle soft and tender, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or enjoying with your coffee.

I almost always have bananas on my counter or tucked away in the freezer, so banana bread is a regular around here, especially my old-fashioned banana bread recipe. This cast iron skillet banana bread is a fun variation, baked this way for golden, crispy edges and soft, tender slices my kids loved. It freezes beautifully and is perfect served warm with butter, alongside your coffee, or as an easy anytime snack.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Perfectly baked every time: The cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly, giving you crisp edges while keeping the center soft and moist, no mushy middle.
• Easy to customize: Keep it classic or add nuts, chocolate chips, or your favorite mix-ins. If you love bakery-style banana bread, my copycat Starbucks banana bread is another reader favorite.
• Great any time of day: This banana bread works just as well for breakfast as it does for snacks or dessert.
• Simple pantry ingredients: Made with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.

If you enjoy baking in cast iron, try my cast iron skillet brownies for an easy chocolate dessert.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.

• Sugar– Granulated white sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Oil– Vegetable or canola oil keeps the banana bread moist. You can also use melted butter for a slightly richer flavor.
• Sour Cream– Adds moisture and richness. Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise works too, just like in my easy banana bread with mayonnaise.
• Eggs– Large eggs at room temperature help bind everything together evenly.
• Baking Soda– Gives the bread its rise and light texture.
• Bananas– The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Flour– All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe.
• Nuts (optional)– Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to leave them out.

Variations

• Mix-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, dried cranberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas for extra flavor and texture.
• Spices– Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a warm, cozy twist
• Vanilla Extract– If you love vanilla, add 1-2 teaspoons to enhance the banana flavor.
• Different pans: This recipe also works as muffins, mini loaves, or a traditional loaf. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Banana Bread

Step 1. Grease a cast iron skillet well (a 10-inch skillet works best; a 12-inch will also work). In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and spread evenly.

Step 2. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Baking Tips

• Don't overmix: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, dry banana bread.
• Serve warm: This banana bread is delicious warm with butter, cinnamon butter, or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
• Watch the bake time: Once a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it's ready. Overbaking will dry it out.
• Slice cleanly: Let the bread cool slightly, then slice with a sharp knife or pizza cutter for neat slices.

Storage & Reheating

• Room temperature: Once completely cooled, cover the banana bread tightly and store on the counter for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 6 days.
• Freezer: Slice the bread, wrap pieces well, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals. For best results, wrap slices in a damp paper towel to keep them moist.

Cast Iron Skillet Banana Bread Recipe FAQs

More Banana Recipes You’ll Love

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