Bananas are a funny thing. You buy the same amount every week. Some weeks they are gobbled up in a couple days. Other weeks you basically end with the same number you started with. Banana bread to the rescue. One thing I love most about this recipe is that it is easy and quick. That’s key especially when you have little learners that want to do it themselves. It’s a great recipe to teach beginning bakers. This banana bread with sugar topping will be a great recipe to add to your week.
This is really a simple recipe, no fancy add-ins (although feel free to do that if you want). What I like about this is that it has a lot of bananas in it. That should seem obvious for a banana bread recipe but I’ve seen a lot of recipes out there that really just don’t have much actual banana in them. The other thing I love is the super simple sugar topping. You all know our family doesn’t shy away from the sugar. The light dusting on top just gives it a perfect crunchy top.
The Details
This recipe can be made quickly and in one bowl. Mix the butter and sugar. Add in the eggs and banana. Then incorporate your dry ingredients. Pour in a greased pan, then dust with granulated sugar. Easy steps, easy clean-up.
We can eat a loaf of this bread in one sitting, so I try to make a few batches at a time if I can. It also freezes well so don’t be afraid to make a few loaves and freeze what you aren’t going to eat right away.
This banana bread would be a great neighbor gift, or to give someone who just brought home a new baby. Wrap it up and tie some twine around it, and you’ve got a simple yet thoughtful present. You can make it in my favorite pans, or you can get these cute mini loaf pans and gift to a number of friends. Everyone loves homemade food!
As always, if you make it, I would really love to hear what you think!
xo, Sarah
Nana’s Banana Bread
Equipment
- Bread Pans
- Mini Bread Pans
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Butter, softened
- 2/3 cup Sugar plus more for dusting
- 2 Eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Bananas, mashed
- 1 3/4 cups Flour
- 2 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together.
- Beat in eggs.
- Mix in Banana Pulp. I like to leave it chunkier.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Pour into greased bread pans.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Jacque Scott
It’s almost identical to my mums banana recipe! 🙌🏻 I’m definitely going to try this one & also try the sugar on top for the first time 🤗 Love it 💗
Sarah
Jacque ScottI’m so glad! Let me know what you think when you make it!
Angela B
Does the 1x recipe make one loaf, 2x make 2 loaves, etc?
Sarah
Angela BYes exactly! 1x makes one loaf!
Casandra
This looks So yummy! We’re huge banana bread fan in our house and I love trying new things so I’ll have to give this one a try!
Sarah
CasandraI love that! Let me know what you think when you make it!
Roseanna Skaggs
Looks yummy! I’ve learnt that adding sour cream to my banana bread makes it supper moist ☺️
Sarah
Roseanna SkaggsOh yes, I have added applesauce to this one before too!
Teresa Stever
Roseanna SkaggsI’d love to try that. How much would you add?
Amanda Wheeler
Dumb question…how many bananas (average size) do you need for this recipe?
Trish Welty
Amanda WheelerCurious also!
Molly
Amanda WheelerI used four bananas and it was just slightly over 1 1/2 cups. Definitely depends on size, moisture content, and amount of mashing you do.
Sarah
Amanda WheelerHey Amanda! Thanks for updating! Yes, I feel like it varies so much depending on the size of your bananas, so that’s why the safest unit of measurement to go with was cups. But I appreciate you updating here what you used, that’s helpful to others!! Thanks!
Heidi Post
If you’ve been thinking about trying this recipe, let this be your sign to do it! I had a recipe for banana bread that was my “go to” and while it was good, this is another level. It’s so light and fluffy and that sugar crust (I did a cinnamon-sugar mixture) is the perfect touch. Nana’s recipe is now my new “go-to” for banana bread! Thank you for sharing, Nana and Sarah!
Sarah
Heidi PostHeidi! Thank you, that was so fun to read and see how much you loved it, what a great review! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lori Lawson
It’s funny that this gem showed up in stories today because guess who’s being blessed with this for breakfast tomorrow? You guessed it, my sweet family! No shame in my game; I’m heading off to bed in a few minutes with visions of this banana bread swirling around in my head!! I love a banana bread that’s flavorful & moist from not skimping on bananas & this one does not disappoint at all. I mean, this is reason we buy so many bananas in the first place, right 🙈! The lightly sugared topping is new for me & we quickly became friends!! Go all in on this one, friends!!
Sarah
Lori LawsonThis is the best comment! Thank you Lori!
Kim
I’ve been looking for a moist and easy banana bread recipe. Thank you Sarah!! So good.
Sarah
KimKim- you’re the best! So glad you liked this one too!
Machele Jones
Might be a silly question, but what size are the loaf pans you prefer to use for a “regular” sized loaf? Anxious to try your recipe & I desperately need a couple of new pans, but not sure which size would be best, or which material—do you get better results with your recipe using metal or glass loaf pans?
Sarah
Machele JonesNot a silly question. I love these ones that I linked in the post: https://amzn.to/3E1LCjF
Heid
This recipe has become my absolutefavorite banana bread of all time. My kids also adore this banana bread.
Sarah
HeidThis makes my day! Thank you so much for coming back to say that!
Shannon
Had some ripe bananas that weren’t getting consumed and remembered this post from a while back. Tried it out and the family loves it!
Shannon
Had some ripe bananas that weren’t getting consumed and remembered this post from a while back. Tried it out and the family loves it!
Sarah
ShannonI’m so glad to hear this! Thank you for coming back to share!
Malory
Love this bread! It’s my go to banana bread now! 🥰 so sweet and not dry!