Here is an easy and warm banana bread recipe that feels like home. Read on for simple steps, tips, and ways to make it your own.
INTRODUCTION
This easy banana bread brings a warm smell to your kitchen. It tastes soft and sweet, just like grandma used to make. You can use very ripe bananas to get the best flavor. If you want a savory side while the bread bakes, try a small warm loaf with our cheesy garlic bread recipe for a calm, cozy meal. This banana bread is kind and simple to make. It asks for few tools and easy stirring. You will enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or milk.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this banana bread because it is quick and kind to make. The steps are easy and you do not need special skills. The bread stays soft for days if you store it right. It uses common pantry items and any level cook can bake it. You can change it with nuts, chocolate chips, or a light glaze. If you like fruity spreads, serve it with homemade jam, such as this simple blueberry jam for a bright, sweet bite. This recipe brings both comfort and small joy with each slice.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Banana Bread Recipe – Just Like Grandma’s
This recipe makes one classic loaf. Read the ingredients and the step-by-step guide below. Work in order and do not overmix the batter. Keep your oven set to the right heat and check the loaf near the end of the bake time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 1 loaf pan (9×5 inch works best)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 mixing bowls (one small, one large)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fork or potato masher for the bananas
- Toothpick or skewer to test doneness
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need :
2 cups flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1-1/2 cups mashed bananas (3-5 bananas depending on their size), 1 cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat oven to 350 and grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mix well. Set aside.
In a larger mixing bowl, add sugar, oil, eggs, and bananas and mix well. Add flour mixture to loaf pan and mix just until combined. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting for pudding.
HOW TO SERVE Easy Banana Bread Recipe – Just Like Grandma’s
Serve the banana bread at room temperature or warm. To warm a slice, toast it lightly or heat it in the oven for five minutes. Add a thin spread of butter or a spoon of cream cheese for a rich taste. For a sweet touch, spread a little jam or honey. If you want a fun change, crumble the bread and use it over yogurt or pudding for a soft texture. For a cookie-style treat, see a related idea like the banana bread cookies with cream cheese glaze to make small treats from the same flavors.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Banana Bread Recipe – Just Like Grandma’s
Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For up to a week, put it in the fridge in a sealed bag. To freeze, slice the loaf or wrap the whole loaf well in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. To use frozen slices, thaw on the counter or warm in the toaster oven.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Plain slice with tea or coffee.
- Warm with butter or cream cheese.
- Toasted with a spoon of jam on top.
- On a plate with fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries.
- As a base for trifle or bread pudding using leftover slices.
- Make small sandwiches with peanut butter or almond butter for a quick snack.
VARIATIONS
- Nut bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Chocolate chip: Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Spiced: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or a pinch of cloves.
- Whole wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Fruit mix: Fold in 1/2 cup dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates.
- Low-sugar: Cut sugar by one quarter and add a touch of honey if needed.
- Oil swap: Use melted butter instead of oil for a richer taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes. Thaw frozen bananas and drain any extra liquid if needed. Mash them well and use as the recipe says.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it is done. If it has wet batter, bake a bit longer and check again.
Q: Can I add milk or yogurt to the batter?
A: You can add a few tablespoons of yogurt for a moist loaf. Do not add too much liquid or the batter will be thin.
Q: Will this recipe work at high altitude?
A: At high altitudes, reduce baking powder slightly and watch the bake time. You may need to lower the oven by 10-15 degrees or bake a little less time. Try one small change and test.
Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Yes. Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for about 18-22 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Very ripe bananas with brown spots give the best sweet flavor. If bananas are still pale, they will add less taste.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Banana Bread Recipe – Just Like Grandma’s
Make the batter the night before and keep it in the fridge. Cover the bowl well. The next morning, give it a gentle stir and pour into the pan. Baking time may be slightly longer from cold batter, so add a few minutes and check for doneness.
You can also bake the loaf and freeze it fully cooled. Slice before freezing for easy thaw and use. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a warm treat.
If you like to plan, mash the bananas and keep them in a tight jar in the fridge for a day or two. This saves time when you want to bake.
Keep a small stash of dry mixes in a jar: measure the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg and store them together. When you want bread, add the mashed banana, sugar, eggs, and oil and stir.
Easy Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and mix well. Set aside.
- In a larger mixing bowl, add the sugar, oil, eggs, and mashed bananas, and mix well.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting.