Feb 10, 2025

by: Gabby Chanski

in Recipes

As a mom, finding time to bake can feel like a luxury – but there’s one treat that’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser: banana bread. With its sweet aroma filling the house, banana bread offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience for those early weekday mornings! Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just in need of a little kitchen therapy, this simple recipe will have you serving up a warm, homemade loaf in no time.

Happy baking, mama! I hope this banana bread brings a little warmth and sweetness to your day (and maybe even a moment of quiet while everyone enjoys their slice). Let me know how it turns out!

What You’ll Need:

Banana Bread

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 TBS unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt

How to Make It:

Banana Bread-

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
3. Mix in the shortening: Stir it into the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
4. Add baking soda and salt: Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, mixing them well with the banana mixture.
5. Stir in sugar, eggs, and buttermilk: Add the sugar, beaten eggs, and buttermilk, and mix until smooth.
6. Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Incorporate the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense.
8. Pour the batter into the pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Crumb Topping-

1. Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the powdered sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the butter into the flour mixture until it forms small, pea-sized crumbs. You want the mixture to be crumbly but not too fine.
3. Top the banana bread: Once your banana bread batter is poured into the pan, evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the batter.

1. Bake the bread: Follow your usual banana bread baking instructions, as the crumble topping will bake along with the bread.
2. Bake for about 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
3. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

A Few Tips for Perfect Banana Bread:

• Use really ripe bananas! The darker, the sweeter, and the better the flavor. If you have bananas that are on the verge of turning into mush, that’s the perfect time to make banana bread.
• Don’t overmix the batter: I know it’s tempting to keep stirring, but try not to. The more you mix, the denser the bread will be.
• Get creative with the add-ins: Walnuts, chocolate chips, or even peanut butter—anything goes! My kids love when I throw in a handful of chocolate chips, and sometimes I sneak in a little ground flaxseed for some extra nutrients.
• Storage tips: Wrap your banana bread in plastic wrap or foil and keep it on the counter for up to 3 days. If you have extra (lucky you!), you can freeze slices for a quick grab-and-go snack later.