Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe

I love reinventing classics using pantry staples. In this Banana Bread So Easy It’s Bananas recipe I blend overripe bananas, eggs, a splash of vanilla, and melted butter for a moist dessert option. The optional walnuts add nutty crunch, proving that simple ingredients can yield a delightful, gluten free treat.

I’m excited to share my take on Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made. This recipe has been a long time favorite since its ingredients are likely already in your cupboard.

I was super intrigued when I learned there’s no flour so it’s a gluten free treat that still packs tons of flavor. I mix 3 overripe mashed bananas with 3 lightly beaten eggs and add in a half cup of granulated sugar, a third cup of melted unsalted butter and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Then a teaspoon of baking soda and a quarter teaspoon of salt does the trick. Sometimes I throw in a half cup of chopped walnuts if Im feeling extra adventurous.

The end result is a dessert reminiscent of a delicious nut bread recipe and an easy moist banana bread that takes me back to simpler times. Enjoy making this one!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this banana bread recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s super easy to make and I love that I can use things I normally have in my cupboard. I dont have to run into the store for exotic ingredients so its really convenient. Second, even though it’s old fashioned, it tastes like homemade comfort food. Every time I bake it I feel nostalgic and it brings back great memories. Third, I like that this recipe is gluten free since there isn’t any flour in it. It makes me feel like I can enjoy a treat without worrying about allergies or dietary issues. And finally, the option to add walnuts gives it a fun crunch that makes each bite interesting.

Ingredients

• Overripe bananas offer natural sweetness, fiber, and essential potassium to support heart health.
• Eggs contributes good protein and help bind ingredients, making the bread extra moist.
• Granulated sugar adds sweetness and aids browning, although too much can be a bit unhealthy.
• Melted unsalted butter gives rich flavor and tender crumb while balancing overall texture.
• Vanilla extract deepens flavor with a warm aroma that enhance all ingredients.
• Baking soda helps bread rise, creating a lighter texture and uniform crumb each time.
• Walnuts offers healthy fats and crunch, adding protein and natural omega fats too.
• Each ingredient works together to create a nostalgic, delectable treat that warms hearts.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 overripe bananas, mashed
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan really well.

2. Mash the 3 overripe bananas in a large bowl until they’re pretty smooth.

3. Add in the 3 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter then mix it all up.

4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract making sure it’s well combined with the wet ingredients.

5. Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and give it a good mix.

6. If you’re using them, fold in the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts; they add a nice crunch.

7. Pour the entire mixture into the greased loaf pan and spread it out evenly.

8. Bake in the oven for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until it looks golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out pretty clean.

9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; this makes it easier to remove.

10. Transfer the loaf onto a rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your old fashioned treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (set to 350°F)
2. Loaf pan (to grease and bake the bread)
3. Large mixing bowl (for mashing bananas and mixing ingredients)
4. Fork or potato masher (to mash the bananas)
5. Whisk (to lightly beat the eggs and blend ingredients)
6. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure butter, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, and salt)
7. Spatula (to stir the batter evenly)
8. Toothpick (to test if the banana bread is done)
9. Cooling rack (to let the bread cool after baking)

FAQ

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Like Your Grandmother Made Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Eggs: If you dont have eggs or want a little egg free vibe, try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg. It helps bind things together just as well sometimes.
• Unsalted Butter: You can swap the melted butter for an equal amount of coconut oil or vegetable oil, which sometimes gives a fun twist on the flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: If you’re feeling bold, replace it with brown sugar or coconut sugar using the same 1/2 cup measurement. It makes the bread a bit richer and caramel-y.
• Walnuts: Not into walnuts? Use pecans or chopped almonds instead if you prefer a different kind of crunch, or just skip it all together.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Make sure your bananas are really overripe, like almost mushy and spotty. They turn out sweeter and give your bread that extra moist flavor.

Tip 2: When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, don’t overdo it. Gently stir just till they combine so you get a fluffier loaf instead of a dense one.

Tip 3: Toast the walnuts a little in a dry pan beforehand if you’re using them. It really boosts their crunch and flavor, giving your bread that extra kick.

Tip 4: Start checking your loaf about 50 minutes into baking with a toothpick to avoid overbaking. Ovens can run hot sometimes, so this helps keep your banana bread moist and perfect.