Banana Bread Recipes: Classic, Buttermilk, and Light & Fluffy (3 Ways)
These banana bread recipes offer three classic ways to turn ripe bananas into a comforting homemade loaf. From a traditional quick bread to a buttermilk version with optional nuts and a lighter, fluffy style, each recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for everyday baking.
Recipes on this page
Use the links below to jump directly to each banana bread recipe.
- Banana Bread Recipe 1 (Classic)
- Banana Bread Recipe 2 (Buttermilk)
- Banana Bread Recipe 3 (Light & Fluffy)
Banana Bread Recipe 1 (Classic)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/3 cups crushed bananas
- 2 cups white flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs.
- Stir in bananas and dry ingredients.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake about 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Equipment: loaf pan
- Yield: 8–10 servings
Banana Bread Recipe 2 (Buttermilk)
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup oleo (margarine)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 egg
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Instructions
- Cream together oleo, sugar, and bananas.
- Add egg and beat until very well blended.
- Combine dry ingredients and stir into oleo mixture.
- Mix alternately with buttermilk and vanilla.
- Turn into a greased loaf pan and bake about 1 hour.
- Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Equipment: loaf pan
- Yield: 8–10 servings
Banana Bread Recipe 3 (Light & Fluffy)
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mashed bananas
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Instructions
- Sift flour, measure, and resift three times with baking powder, salt, and soda.
- Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in bananas.
- Add flour in 4 portions, beating until smooth after each.
- Turn into a well-greased 4×8×2-inch pan.
- Bake 50 minutes. Cool on rack.
- Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
- Equipment: 4×8×2-inch pan
- Yield: 8–10 servings
Banana Bread FAQ
How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots work best. They are sweeter and mash easily, giving the bread more flavor and moisture.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Dense banana bread is usually caused by overmixing or using too much flour. Stir just until combined and measure flour carefully.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can be folded into the batter just before baking.