Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Looking for a classic and delicious banana bread recipe? Look no further! This perfectly moist Old Fashioned Banana Bread is made using simple ingredients and sure to be a family favorite.

Whether you love banana bread or simply are looking for a way to use up those ripe bananas, this classic banana bread can be enjoyed any time of the day! Perfect for breakfast with your morning cup of coffee, or as a anytime snack during the day. It even can be enjoyed in the evening as a sweet with a cold glass of milk or warm cup of tea. My family loves enjoying their slices with some melted butter and my kids love toasting a slice in the toaster oven! It is definitely one of our go-to recipes! Also check out my Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread or Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread for a tasty variation!

Ingredients Needed

Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed. To see printable recipe card with exact amounts, scroll to the bottom of this post.

• Butter– I use unsalted butter as salt will be added to this bread as well. If you only have salted butter, that works too. Melt it and let it cool a bit before using.
• Sugar– white granulated sugar adds the perfect sweetness throughout and gives it that classic flavor versus using brown sugar.
• Eggs– you’ll need two large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract– use pure vanilla extract versus imitation as it adds more flavor depth.
• Flour– all purpose flour is what this recipe calls for, you can also use bread flour, however, it will make the bread a bit more dense.
• Baking Soda/ Salt– this gives the bread its rise and texture. Ensure freshness by changing out your baking soda every 6 months.
• Sour Cream– this makes the banana bread moist every time. You can also use buttermilk or plain Greek yogurt as a substitution if preferred.
• Chopped Walnuts– optional, but these add a slight crunch throughout and make the perfect addition both in the batter and sprinkled on top.
• Bananas– you’ll need two medium bananas sliced. Try to use bananas that are brown and/or spotted as the more ripe they are, the sweeter they become. If you prefer a less chunky banana bread, you can use mashed bananas in lieu of slices.

How to make Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan (or 4 mini loaf pans).
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar.
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Add in your dry ingredients (the flour, baking soda, and salt), stirring until smooth.
5. Fold in the sour cream, walnuts, and bananas.
6. Spread mixture evenly into prepared pan.
7. Place in preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center.
8. Remove pan from oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying!

Helpful tips for making Old Fashioned Banana Bread

• Use room temperature ingredients. This not only helps everything to combine easier, but it also helps create a light, fluffy, and moist banana bread every time.
• If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, but want to make this bread anyways, you can place your bananas, still in peels, on a baking sheet and cook in the oven at 350 degrees until the peels turn black.
• Have fun with add in’s. You can stir in one cup mini chocolate chips, fresh blueberries, raisins, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.
• If you don’t like walnuts, chopped pecans are a great option. This recipe makes the best banana nut bread!
• To use whole wheat flour in place of all purpose flour, I would start by only using ¼ cup whole wheat flour in place of ¼ cup all purpose as you want to trial and error it. Whole wheat flour is a bit more dense, so adjust it until you find the right ratio for your liking.

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe FAQ’s

How long does banana bread last?

If you are storing at room temperature, this quick bread will be good for about 3-4 days.

How should I store banana bread?

Depends on how long you need it to stay fresh for. If only for a few days, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to refrigerate it, you can place in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 week. To freeze banana bread, place in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 6 months. You can store as individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or you can freeze the entire loaf.

What is the best way to serve old school banana bread?

We love to enjoy our slices fresh from the oven with a spread of cream cheese or butter on top. However, you can also enjoy it with cinnamon butter, peanut butter, or even a drizzle of honey. This classic banana bread recipe is perfect any time and occasion and is always a favorite with people of all ages.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! We love making muffins as they are perfect for on the go. Simply line or grease a muffin pan and scoop batter about ¾ full. You will bake at the same temperature, but they should only need about 20-25 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on it though as each oven bakes differently.

More Quick Bread Recipes to try

• Brown Sugar Quick Bread– comes together using 7 simple ingredients, but is full of sweet flavor throughout! With no yeast needed, this brown sugar bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack-time, or as an evening treat!
• Southern Peach Bread– comes together using only ingredients you may already have on hand! Packed with flavor and no yeast required, this will be a new favorite!
• Easy Blueberry Bread– moist quick bread stuffed full of fresh blueberries! Super easy to make and a perfect quick breakfast for busy mornings! A great way to use up those extra summer blueberries.
• Mayonnaise Banana Bread– moist, flavor packed, and incredibly easy to make! Using only a few simple ingredients, this quick bread comes together in no time and is a family favorite!
• Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread– super moist, packed with chocolate chips throughout, and makes the best breakfast, snack, or dessert any time of the day! Plus, this quick bread is a great way to use up any garden zucchini!