Southern Living’s Banana Bread Recipe

I’ve been making this banana bread recipe since I was a teenager. Turns out it’s the same as Southern Living’s banana bread recipe.

One of our favorite quick breads, this easy recipe uses ripe bananas (I even use overripe bananas) – it’s a great way to use them up!

A couple of slices of this quick loaf with butter or smeared with cream cheese are the perfect afternoon snack.

We even enjoy banana bread as a fast breakfast – if you take lunch to work, it makes the perfect afternoon treat. It’s an easy pick me up any time of day when you need something to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Bread Recipe

When it’s kind of chilly outside and we’re getting nice and warm by the wood stove, I love to bake. Earlier today, I got busy in the kitchen making this easy recipe. I want to share it with you because it is just so good. It really is delicious.

I’ve been making this recipe for a long time. I got the recipe from my Mom and I have no clue where she got it from. It may have from an old church cookbook. I remember the Ladies Society putting together cookbooks with their very best recipes.

This makes 1 really large loaf, but you can split the batter between two pans and decrease the baking time to 45 minutes. 

Here’s the best banana bread recipe you are going to find!

How to Make Homemade Banana Bread 

Note: Most bakers probably use an electric mixer for this recipe, but I always just use wooden spoon to mix by hand.

• Mash three bananas really well. If I am using firmer bananas, I put them in the microwave for 20 seconds to help soften them up.
• Add milk and vanilla, stir well then set aside.
• Electric mixer: use low speed.

• Use a large bowl for this next step. In the end, all the batter will end up in this bowl.
• Cream softened butter with sugar and add two large eggs. Mix well.
• Electric mixer: Use medium speed.

• Add dry ingredients (all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt) to the butter mixture.
• Sift the flour if you like – I don’t bother to do this step and it never seems to matter.
• Some bakers like to combine flour and other dry ingredients together first before adding to the butter mix. I never bother and it’s never been a problem.

• Mix everything together.
• Mixer: Use medium speed.
• Meanwhile, grease and flour a loaf pan (or use cooking spray).

• I love my Pyrex loaf pan – since it’s glass, it’s easy to clean and never wear out.
• Spoon the batter into the loaf pan.

• Bake at 325 degrees for 60 -75 minutes depending on your oven. Test it to see if it is done by inserting a long wooden pick or skewer. If it comes out mostly clean, the loaf is done. If not, give it another 5 -10 minutes.
• Note: If it’s getting too brown on top, create a shield with aluminum foil at this point.
• Once it’s done, remove and cool bread in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer over to a wire rack where it can sit for another 20 minutes.

FAQ

What kind of bananas should I use for this recipe?

• The very best bananas to use for this loaf are the really super over ripe ones. The riper the better, baby!

What’s the best way to eat this banana loaf?

• Enjoy this best Banana Bread recipe in the world (according to us!) with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.

How do you keep banana bread moist?

• Make sure to use the ripest bananas possible, even to the point where they almost look black. You can also use bananas that have been frozen!
• Be sure to fold the dry and wet ingredients together very carefully with a spatula or spoon to make for a soft and tender texture.
• Start checking the bread at 40 or 45 minutes; when you’re able to remove a toothpick and see just a few moist crumbs, remove the bread immediately.

How long will this bread last?

• It will generally keep for about a week sitting out on the counter, but around day 4 the bread will start to dry out a bit. Be sure to cover well with some plastic or foil to prevent this as much as possible.
• This loaf will also freeze well if you have leftovers you want to save. In the freezer, it should be fine for at least four months!

Variations and Substitutions for Southern Living’s Banana Bread Recipe

• Add a handful of nuts (walnuts or pecans are delicious in this simple recipe).
• Some other great ways to up the flavor profile would be to add more spices (like nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, or allspice), or mix in some chocolate chips or nuts!
• Add fresh fruit, like a handful or two of blueberries or halved cherries.
• Make Banana muffins instead of the banana loaf:
• Use as 12 count muffin pan and use muffin cups or baking spray. Spoon batter into each cup then bake at 425F in a preheated oven for 20 minutes.

More Sweet Recipes

Our entire Country Living in a Cariboo Valley Recipe Collection can be found here, but here are a few highlights for your sweet tooth!

1. Chewy Coconut Cookies
2. Lemon Loaf Cake with Rosemary Glaze
3. Fireball Pumpkin Pie

Southern Living’s Banana Bread Recipe

If you like this easy and delicious recipe, be sure to rate it 5 stars below!

First Published November 2012; latest update November 2026

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