Best Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Loaf

There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home. It’s like a warm hug for your family, a reminder of comfort and simplicity. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my secret to the perfect, moist, and deliciously classic banana bread recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and flavorful, with just the right balance of sweetness.
• Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
• Perfect for using up ripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste.
• A classic recipe that’s sure to please everyone in your household.
• Can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious banana bread:

• 3/4 cup salted butter (1 1/2 sticks, room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cup mashed bananas
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this moist and delicious banana bread:

1. Pre-Heat Oven. Pre-heat your oven to 325°F and set a rack in the middle of the oven.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar. Using a hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar into a smooth texture until the butter is light yellow in color.
3. Mix Together Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Creamed Butter and Sugar Mixture With Wet Ingredients. Add the banana mixture to the creamed butter and sugar and mix until well combined.
5. Sift Together Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Mix Batter. Add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet ingredients mixture, a little at a time, alternating between the two. Mix all together into a smooth batter and set aside.
7. Prepare Bread Pans. Prepare two bread pans by buttering and flouring each pan. Be sure to tap out the excess flour.
8. Pour Batter Into Pans. Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans.
9. Bake. Place pans on the center rack in the pre-heated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out dry.
10. Set Bread Pans on Cooling Rack. When loaves are ready to come out of the oven, set them on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
11. Un-mold the Baked Bread. Gently slide the edge of a knife between the loaf and the side of the pan and follow the path around the entire loaf. This will make it easier to get out of the pan. Turn the pan over and pop the bread out of the pan and set it on the rack to cool.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Use overripe bananas for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the bread dense.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
• Add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips can be added for extra flavor.

How to Serve

There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious banana bread:

• Serve warm with a pat of butter.
• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.
• Enjoy as a quick breakfast on-the-go.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this banana bread is how well it keeps:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen bread at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.

And there you have it! A simple, classic banana bread recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner idea or just a tasty recipe to enjoy, this banana bread is the perfect choice. Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite recipes, like my How to Make the Best Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe or my How to Make the Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for more delicious ideas to add to your menu!