Banana bread is something special. The warm smell fills the kitchen, the soft texture with a bit of sweetness, and the happy memories it brings. The best part? A simple recipe from the famous cookbook Joy of Cooking.
This isn’t just any banana bread—it’s a slice of history mixed with pure joy, carefully curated for anyone from seasoned bakers to absolute beginners.
Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or make use of those overripe bananas on your counter, the Joy of Cooking banana bread recipe is the perfect place to start.
Today, we’ll show you everything you need to know about this tasty treat—what makes it special, the ingredients, tools, and simple ways to make it your own.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the joy of cooking banana bread.
What Makes Joy of Cooking Banana Bread So Special?
The Joy of Cooking is one of the most trusted cookbooks of all time for a reason. Their banana bread recipe is simple and delicious, using just a few ingredients for the perfect flavor.
Unlike overly complicated modern deviations, this recipe stays true to its roots—focusing on the natural sweetness of bananas and easy-to-follow steps.
What truly sets it apart:
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
- Perfect texture: A tender crumb on the inside, with just the right amount of crust on the outside.
- Timeless flavor: This recipe lets the bananas shine, with just a hint of vanilla and a touch of warmth from optional spices.
Get ready to bake a loaf that never fails to draw smiles from loved ones around your table.
Ingredients Needed for Joy of Cooking Banana Bread
Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to whip up a loaf of this unbeatable banana bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth
Why Ripe Bananas Matter
Ripe bananas are sweet and soft, making this bread moist and delicious. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, put them in a paper bag for a day or two, or bake them in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes.
Nutritional Information of Banana Bread
While banana bread is a treat, it also comes packed with nutrients from its star ingredient. Bananas provide essential vitamins like potassium and Vitamin B6, while eggs offer protein and iron.
However, this loaf still comes with its share of sugar and butter, making it a delightful indulgence best enjoyed in moderation.
Per slice (based on 12 slices):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 196 |
| Potassium | 210 mg |
| Protein | 3.2 g |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
This shows you how this treat fits into your diet, giving you some sweetness and a bit of nutrition.
Equipment Needed
Banana bread is low-maintenance when it comes to kitchen tools. Here’s all you’ll need:
- A mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan (lightly greased or lined with parchment paper)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
And there you have it—basic tools, big results!
Recipe for Joy of Cooking Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
The first step to making banana bread is to get all your ingredients ready. Start with ripe bananas—bananas with brown spots are best because they are sweeter and easy to mash. Measure your dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Then, prepare your wet ingredients like eggs, melted butter or oil, vanilla, and any extras like chocolate chips or nuts. Having everything ready will make baking simple and fun!
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing. This helps your banana bread bake evenly. While the oven heats up, grease your loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to take the bread out of the pan after baking.
Step 3: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
Mash your ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth. Add melted butter or oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s creamy. This helps spread the flavors evenly for your banana bread.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar into a separate bowl. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures all the dry ingredients are well mixed and aerated. This will contribute to a fluffier texture in your banana bread.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix them together.
Don’t overmix, or the banana bread might turn out too dense. Mix until everything is just combined to make a thick batter. You can also stir in extras like nuts or chocolate chips for more flavor and texture.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Put the pan in the hot oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check if it’s done by poking a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the banana bread is ready.
When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
When the banana bread is cool, you can slice it and enjoy your tasty treat. You can eat it plain, with butter, or even toasted. Banana bread is a yummy snack for any time of day. Share it with family and friends or keep the leftovers in a container to stay fresh for a few days.
Congratulations 🎊 , you’ve successfully made Joy of Cooking’s delicious banana bread! We hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen and taste buds.
If you love Joy of Cooking recipes, you should also try some of their other popular recipes like Joy of Cooking Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe and Joy of Cooking Apple Pie Recipe to elevate your baking game even further.
Joy of Cooking Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- A mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan (lightly greased or lined with parchment paper)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas the riper, the better!
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- The first step to making banana bread is to get all your ingredients ready. Start with ripe bananas—bananas with brown spots are best because they are sweeter and easy to mash. Measure your dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Then, prepare your wet ingredients like eggs, melted butter or oil, vanilla, and any extras like chocolate chips or nuts. Having everything ready will make baking simple and fun!
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing. This helps your banana bread bake evenly. While the oven heats up, grease your loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to take the bread out of the pan after baking.
Step 3: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Mash your ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth. Add melted butter or oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s creamy. This helps spread the flavors evenly for your banana bread.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar into a separate bowl. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures all the dry ingredients are well mixed and aerated. This will contribute to a fluffier texture in your banana bread.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix them together. Don’t overmix, or the banana bread might turn out too dense. Mix until everything is just combined to make a thick batter. You can also stir in extras like nuts or chocolate chips for more flavor and texture.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into your loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Put the pan in the hot oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check if it’s done by poking a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the banana bread is ready. When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
- When the banana bread is cool, you can slice it and enjoy your tasty treat. You can eat it plain, with butter, or even toasted. Banana bread is a yummy snack for any time of day. Share it with family and friends or keep the leftovers in a container to stay fresh for a few days.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Banana Bread
This classic loaf is delicious on its own, but don’t hesitate to jazz things up.
- Top it with Fresh Fruits: Add a colorful medley of berries, sliced bananas, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a fresh and vibrant twist.
- Turn it into French Toast: Dip slices of banana bread in an egg mixture and cook it like French toast for an indulgent breakfast treat.
- Make Banana Bread Pudding: Cube leftover banana bread and bake it with a creamy custard mixture for a decadent dessert.
- Pair it with Nut Butters: Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or hazelnut spread on a slice for an extra layer of flavor.
- Grill It: Lightly grilling banana bread brings out a warm, caramelized taste that pairs wonderfully with ice cream or coffee.
- Serve with Yogurt and Honey: Crumble the banana bread over a bowl of Greek yogurt, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with nuts or granola for a hearty breakfast.
- Toast and Butter It: A simple yet delicious option is to lightly toast the bread and spread it with salted butter for a crisp, savory contrast.
Storage Suggestions
Keep your banana bread fresh by following these tips:
- Room Temperature: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for 2-3 days.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge to last up to a week.
- Freezer: Slice the bread, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and put them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or heat it up in the microwave when ready!
Tips for Making the Perfect Joy of Cooking Banana Bread
Here’s how to take your banana bread from good to amazing:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful bread.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A dash of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for an extra layer of texture and taste.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is ready.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack to ensure clean slices and perfect texture.
Conclusion
Baking banana bread is more than just making a treat—it’s about creating something warm and comforting. Sweet, rich, and versatile, banana bread is a classic that can brighten any day. Follow these tips to bake a loaf that’s soft, moist, and delicious. Whether you share it or enjoy it alone, homemade banana bread is a simple joy everyone can love.
FAQ
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser loaf. To balance texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
2. Can I make this vegan?
Sure! Use flax eggs or applesauce instead of eggs, and swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk. Replace regular butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
3. Is it okay to reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the sweetness and texture, but the banana itself will still add natural sweetness.
4. How do I store banana bread to keep it fresh?
To keep banana bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and leave it on the counter for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, put it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it sit at room temperature before eating.
5. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruits like cranberries can make banana bread extra special. Fold them into the batter before baking, but be careful not to overdo it so the bread doesn’t lose its structure.
6. What can I do if my bananas aren’t ripe yet?
If your bananas aren’t ripe, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until the skins are blackened, then allow them to cool before using.
7. Can I make banana bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help with structure. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes.
8. Why does my banana bread sink in the middle?
This often happens if the batter is overmixed or if the bread is underbaked. To avoid this, mix until just combined and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
