Classic Banana Bread Recipe
An easy recipe for classic banana bread, like grandma used to make! This recipe has been passed down for generations in my family because it's a keeper! If you love a moist banana bread studded with chocolate chips, read on!
Updated April, 2022
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I've been making this classic banana bread recipe for as long as I can remember. It was passed down to my mom from my Nana...and who knows who passed it to her.
It's a family tradition, really! A tried-and-true, can't fail recipe!
I don't share a lot of recipes here on DIY Beautify so if you see one, you know that means it's a family favorite and loved by even the pickiest of eaters! Thankfully my kiddos have become much less picky about food as they've grown...in fact, they all eat pretty much everything these days! The only exception would be my 17 year old daughter Abby, who still hates seafood (we're working on her!)
Don't miss these other family favorite recipes
Classic Banana Bread Recipe
This banana bread recipe has no secret ingredients or special bells and whistles. It's a true classic and turns out delicious every time I make it. There is sugar and eggs and flour so if you're on a special diet, you'll need to search for another recipe. If you're looking for just a good classic banana bread recipe, look no further!
This is a moist banana bread with a delicate crumb. My nana's original recipe calls for walnuts, but I started replacing those with chocolate chips when my kids were young, and we knew we had a winner! So use what your family prefers. My son recently baked this with both mini chocolate chips and walnuts and it was really good!
I've included a printable recipe card below for your convenience.
Ingredients for Classic Banana Bread
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg well beaten
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips (or a combo of both)
How to make classic banana bread
Preheat oven to 325° F.
Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This is optional, but makes removing the baked bread from the pan to cool so much simpler!
I have found that mixing the ingredients in my KitchenAid stand mixer makes for easier and faster prep. If you don't have a stand mixer you could use a hand mixer or mix it by hand like mom and nana used to with a wood spoon 😉
Cream the softened butter with brown sugar.
Add the egg, then the bananas and mix well.
Sift dry ingredients together separately and then add to wet mixture. Blend just until dry ingredients are fully incorporated, mixing in the chocolate chips and/or walnuts by hand. The batter should look nice and creamy.
Pour batter into loaf pan and give it a tap on counter to release any air pockets.
Bake on middle rack of oven for 1 hour - 1 hour 10 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a knife or wooden skewer into the middle. It should come out clean.
Take bread of oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes, then lift out of pan with the paper. Let cool completely then peel off the waxed paper. Voila, your pan stays clean!
Let banana bread cool down completely before slicing it.
TIP: don't slice the whole loaf unless you're serving it! Banana bread will stay moist if you only slice as needed.
To store, pop into a ziploc bag and keep in fridge. My kids like to reheat their bread in the microwave for about 8 seconds while I prefer mine cold!
Homemade banana bread never lasts more than a day or two around our home and it's always a treat! I hope you enjoy this easy classic banana bread recipe as much as the DIY Beautify family does! I guarantee you won't hear any whining, "do I have to eat that?" They'll be lined up at the kitchen door!
Click here for a printable recipe card
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bringing beauty to the ordinary,
I love banana bread! Will have to try this. Never made it with brown sugar. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann, you will love it, easy and just plain yummy!
DeleteI am all about EASIEST bread ever! Banana bread is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your creativity with us at Show-Licious Craft & Recipe Party! Join us again on Saturday morning at 8:00 am EST!
~ Ashley
Thanks Ashley for the late reply...I was sunning on the beach in Cabo (just had to rub it in!!) Haha
DeleteSeriously though, this is some yummy banana bread, I hope you try it :)