Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe

Nothing beats the comforting aroma of Old Fashioned Banana Bread baking in the oven. This timeless family favorite is soft, buttery, and packed with sweet ripe banana flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, bananas, and sour cream, this classic loaf has a tender crumb that stays moist for days.

Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or baking for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this easy homemade banana bread recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Banana Bread

• 🍌 Rich banana flavor in every bite
• 🧈 Made with real butter for classic homemade taste
• ☁️ Soft, moist, and fluffy texture
• 👩‍🍳 Easy recipe with simple ingredients
• ❄️ Freezes beautifully for later

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe

Bake the best Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe with ripe bananas, butter, and sour cream for a moist, tender loaf that's perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup salted butter, softened (1½ sticks)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon table salt
• ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk

Method

 

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the oven rack in the center.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

   Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine the Mixtures

   Slowly add the banana mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until smooth.

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

6. Make the Batter

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or buttermilk). Mix just until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

7. Prepare the Loaf Pans

   Grease and lightly flour two standard loaf pans, tapping out any excess flour.

8. Fill the Pans

   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

9. Bake

   Bake on the center oven rack for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool

    Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them. Carefully run a knife around the edges, then transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to help it hold together.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.

Optional Add-Ins

Customize your loaf with any of these favorites:

• 🥜 Chopped walnuts
• 🌰 Pecans
• 🍫 Chocolate chips
• 🥥 Shredded coconut
• 🍂 Cinnamon
• 🍇 Raisins

Serving Ideas

This old fashioned banana bread is delicious:

• Warm with butter
• Toasted for breakfast
• With cream cheese
• Drizzled with honey
• Alongside coffee or tea

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe is a timeless classic that’s incredibly moist, buttery, and full of rich banana flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, sharing with friends, or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this homemade recipe delivers comforting results every time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this traditional banana bread has remained a favorite for generations.