Grandma’s Famous Banana Bread: A Moist, Nostalgic Classic You’ll Make Again and Again

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grandma’s Famous Banana Bread is the kind of timeless recipe that fills your home with warmth, comfort, and the unmistakable aroma of baked nostalgia. It’s wonderfully moist, lightly sweet, and packed with the rich flavour of ripe bananas—just the way a classic banana bread should be. This is the type of recipe that gets passed down through generations, often scribbled on a beloved recipe card and baked during cosy afternoons. I’ve made this style of banana bread countless times, and it never fails to comfort. Once, when preparing it for a brunch, I was out of regular milk and used almond milk instead, and it still baked beautifully, proving how forgiving this recipe can be. Whether you enjoy it plain, spread with butter, or toasted the next morning, this banana bread is a versatile, feel-good treat perfect for breakfast, gifting, or afternoon tea. It’s simple, reliable, and forever delicious.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ripe Bananas

Ripe bananas provide the signature sweetness and moisture. The riper they are—soft, speckled, and nearly collapsing—the better the flavour.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour gives the bread its structure while keeping the crumb soft and tender.

Sugar

Sugar lightly sweetens the loaf and enhances the banana flavour without overpowering it.

Butter

Melted butter adds rich depth and ensures the loaf stays moist for days.

Eggs

Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to a light, fluffy texture.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps the loaf rise properly, giving it height without making it dense.

Salt

A pinch of salt sharpens the sweetness and balances the overall flavour.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the banana’s natural richness, adding a warm aromatic note.

Optional Add-Ins (Walnuts or Chocolate Chips)

Walnuts or chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for added crunch or indulgence.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a standard loaf pan. Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture if desired. Stir in the melted butter until fully combined. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes creamy.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring only until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so use a light hand. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm, or let it rest for a few hours for an even better texture.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one loaf, serving about 8 slices depending on thickness. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, and baking requires 50–60 minutes. Cooling adds an additional 15 minutes. It’s a quick and convenient recipe for any day of the week.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days. For longer keeping, refrigerate it for up to five days or freeze slices for up to two months. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven to restore their soft, fresh texture.

Variations and Customizations

Walnut Crunch

Fold in chopped walnuts to add nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch.

Chocolate Lovers’ Version

Add chocolate chips for a richer, dessert-style banana bread.

Cinnamon Swirl

Mix cinnamon and brown sugar into a ribboned swirl for a warm, aromatic twist.

Coconut Banana

Stir in shredded coconut for tropical sweetness and extra moisture.

Almond Essence

Add a drop of almond extract for a subtle, fragrant variation.

Banana Muffins

Use the same batter in a muffin tin for quick grab-and-go portions.

Maple Glaze

Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the cooled loaf for festive flair.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them fully and drain excess liquid before mashing.

Why is my banana bread dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to heaviness; stir gently.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

How ripe should bananas be?

Very ripe—soft with brown spots for maximum sweetness.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce it slightly without affecting structure.

Can I add spices?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice pair beautifully with banana.

Can I use whole-wheat flour?

You can replace half the flour for a heartier texture.

Does banana bread freeze well?

Yes, freeze slices individually for easy thawing.

Why does my bread sink in the middle?

It may be underbaked; ensure a toothpick comes out clean.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Either works—adjust added salt if using salted butter.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Famous Banana Bread is the kind of recipe that evokes warmth, comfort, and cherished family memories. With its irresistible aroma, moist crumb, and classic flavour, it’s a timeless bake that fits any occasion—breakfast, dessert, or a treat with afternoon tea. The recipe is simple, adaptable, and always dependable, making it a staple you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy sharing this beloved loaf with family and friends, or savour every slice yourself as you embrace the cosy charm of homemade baking.

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