Warm, homemade banana bread is always a welcome treat, and this old-fashioned banana bread recipe never disappoints. Made with ripe bananas and simple pantry staples, it makes a soft, perfectly moist loaf and can just as easily be baked as giant banana muffins. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or with tea or coffee, it’s a bake that’s sure to impress.
Tea to Serve with Banana Bread
|
|
|
|
Description: Rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion from South Africa's Cederberg mountains. |
Description: A classic South African black tea that balances the sweetness of this banana loaf. |
Description: Robust black tea with a full-bodied flavour that complements banana loaf cake, especially when served with milk. |
Rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion from South Africa's Cederberg mountains.
A classic South African black tea that balances the sweetness of this banana loaf.
Robust black tea with a full-bodied flavour that complements banana loaf cake, especially when served with milk.
Why You Will Love This Old-Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make with just a few everyday ingredients.
- Bakes into a soft and moist loaf or perfectly as giant banana muffins.
- Flexible and versatile, enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or with tea or coffee.
- A wonderful way to use up overripe bananas and avoid food waste.
- Ideal for sharing , whether freshly baked muffins or a beautifully wrapped loaf.
This banana bread is not only a lovely treat to enjoy at home, but it also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Bake it as a loaf or as giant muffins, wrap in cellophane, add a touch of greenery, and tie with twine for a simple yet charming presentation. Perfect for special occasions or just because, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
Old Fashioned Banana Bread Loaf
Ingredients
- 125 g / 4.4 oz / ½ cup Soft Salted Butter
- 250 ml / 1 cup / 7.9 oz Sugar
- 5 ml / 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
- 2 Eggs
- 4 Very Ripe Bananas
- 500 ml / 2 cups / 8.8 oz Cake Flour
- 5 ml / 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 5 ml / 1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
- 125 ml / ½ cup Boiling Water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease a loaf tin with non-stick spray.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Bananas: Add the mashed bananas.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add vanilla essence and eggs. Sift in the cake flour and baking powder and mix until well combined.
- Dissolve and Mix: Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in the boiling water. Pour it into the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool on a wire rack.
How to Package Your Banana Loaf Beautifully for a Christmas Gift
Add a personal and festive touch to your banana loaf with this easy packaging guide:
- Prepare the Wrapping:
- Cut beige cardboard into a rectangle measuring 11 cm x 30 cm.
- Cut brown cardboard into a rectangle measuring 9 cm x 30 cm.
- Layer the brown cardboard on top of the beige cardboard for a stylish two-tone effect.
- Wrap the Loaf:
- Wrap the layered cardboard pieces around the center of your banana loaf.
- Secure the ends at the back with adhesive or double-sided tape.
- Create the Gift Tag:
- Assemble the Packaging:
This beautifully packaged banana loaf is perfect for gifting – a heartfelt and homemade treat that shows thoughtfulness and creativity!
Tools & Packaging Essentials for a Beautiful Finish
To create a polished, gift-ready presentation, I love using a Cricut cutting machine to cut out custom Christmas artwork and decorative details. Paired with simple packaging items like cellophane, twine, and double-sided Tape, it’s an easy way to turn your banana bread or muffins into a thoughtful handmade gift.
|
|
|
Best for Precision Cuts
|
|
Description: Natural twine that I use to tie around wrapped banana bread for a simple, rustic gift finish. |
Description: Double-sided tape that keeps packaging secure and clean, with no visible tape on finished banana bread gifts. |
Description: Clear, sturdy cellophane that I use to wrap banana bread neatly for gifting. |
Description: A versatile cutting machine that delivers clean, precise results for a wide range of DIY projects. |
Natural twine that I use to tie around wrapped banana bread for a simple, rustic gift finish.
Double-sided tape that keeps packaging secure and clean, with no visible tape on finished banana bread gifts.
Clear, sturdy cellophane that I use to wrap banana bread neatly for gifting.
A versatile cutting machine that delivers clean, precise results for a wide range of DIY projects.
Making Banana Bread as Muffins
You can easily turn this old-fashioned banana bread recipe into giant muffins (Makes 8) or standard-sized muffins. The batter works beautifully in either case, giving soft, moist results every time.
- Giant muffins: These will take 25–30 minutes, depending on your oven and how full the cups are.
Always check with a cake tester, it should come out clean when the muffins are fully baked. This ensures they’re cooked through.
These muffins are perfect for portion control, gifting, or a grab-and-go breakfast treat, while still delivering the same delicious banana bread flavour you love.
Variations of this Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Add a handful (or more!) of chocolate chips to the batter.
Walnut or Pecan Banana Bread
Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch and added texture.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Mix cinnamon and a little sugar and swirl into the batter before baking.
Blueberry Banana Bread
Add fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity variation that pairs beautifully with your banana base.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Stir in a few tablespoons of smooth or crunchy peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Banana Bread Recipe
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Yes! The batter works beautifully for giant muffins. if you’re making muffins instead of a loaf, start checking around 20–25 minutes for standard-sized muffins. Giant muffins may take 25–30 minutes or slightly longer. Always check with a cake tester, it should come out clean when the muffins are fully baked.
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe, adding natural sweetness and moisture. Using very ripe bananas will give the softest, moistest loaf or muffins.
While banana bread didn’t originate in South Africa, it’s a beloved and widely baked treat in many South African homes. It’s often served for breakfast, with tea or coffee, or wrapped as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Keep This Easy Banana Bread Recipe Handy, Save It Now!
More Easy Bakes to Enjoy with Tea
There are a few more favourites I think you’ll love. These fruity Russian Squares are baked in a tray and lightly finished with sugar. For something a little more wholesome, try my oats and apple breakfast cake, or keep things simple with classic homemade scones. All of these pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea.
I Would Love to Hear From You
Did you try this Old-Fashioned Banana Bread Loaf recipe? Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations with me.