Grandma’s Banana Bread 

This cherished banana bread recipe has been passed down through generations, originating from Tennessee in 1952. Born out of necessity during the Great Depression, it was a way to make use of overripe bananas. Today, it continues to be a family favorite, known for its ultra-moist texture and comforting aroma. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this banana bread brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

Ingredients

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3–4 very ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• ¼ cup sour cream

• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

3. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas until smooth.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 210 kcal

• Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 1.5g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 170mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 31g

• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugars: 18g

• Protein: 2.5g

• Calcium: 10mg

• Iron: 0.7mg

• Potassium: 76mg

• Vitamin A: 60mcg

• Vitamin C: 1mg