If you have ever longed for a banana bread recipe that feels like a nostalgic hug straight from a Southern kitchen, then the Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend. This deliciously moist, flavorful bread perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with a hint of cinnamon and the richness of butter, creating a loaf that’s irresistible warm or at room temperature. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe brings the charm and warmth of Paula Deen’s kitchen right into your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture and taste for the Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe. From ripe bananas packing natural sweetness and moisture to the touch of cinnamon that adds depth, every component is essential.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives banana bread structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully and keeps it light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy hint of spice that complements the bananas perfectly.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A fragrant note that deepens the flavor profile.
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that imparts natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Adds tenderness and keeps the loaf moist.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. Lightly dust it with flour to ensure your bread releases easily after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Setting this mixture aside allows you to incorporate it smoothly later on.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air, giving your banana bread a tender and soft texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. This gradual addition ensures the batter emulsifies properly, resulting in a consistent texture throughout the loaf.
Step 4: Mix in Vanilla, Bananas, and Milk
Next, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, sweet aroma, followed by the mashed bananas and whole milk. The bananas offer natural sweetness and moisture while the milk keeps everything soft and luscious.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients mixture into your wet batter, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage because that can lead to dense banana bread rather than a light and tender crumb.
Step 6: Add Nuts (if Using)
If you love a bit of crunch in your bread, gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts now. These nuts add texture and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana and cinnamon notes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell alone will let you know something wonderful is baking!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the loaf from becoming soggy and helps it slice beautifully.
How to Serve Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe with a touch of garnish elevates its rustic charm. Try spreading a pat of creamy butter or a drizzle of honey on warm slices for extra indulgence. You could even sprinkle some extra chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon on top for flair.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for breakfast or afternoon tea. For a more decadent treat, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, transforming it into a delightful dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bread into thick slices and toasting them lightly, then topping with cream cheese and a spoonful of fruit preserves for a fancy twist. You might also cube leftover banana bread and use it as a base for a trifle or bread pudding, giving new life to every crumb.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. Stored at room temperature, it will delight you for up to three days, making it perfect for breakfast on the go.
Freezing
If you want to make this Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Your banana bread will stay delicious for up to three months this way.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread warm after storing or freezing, pop slices in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through. This brings back that fresh-baked feel with soft, tender bites and a lovely aroma.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread, but keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also affects the texture and browning. Adjust carefully for the best results.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas on hand?
Ripe bananas are key for flavor and moisture, so it’s best to wait until your bananas develop brown spots. If you’re in a pinch, you can mash bananas that are less ripe, but expect a less sweet and fragrant bread.
Can I substitute nuts with other add-ins?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds can be delicious alternatives. Just fold them in where you’d add nuts to keep the bread moist and flavorful.
Is this banana bread suitable for freezing and freezing again?
While the Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe freezes well once, repeated freezing and thawing can affect texture. It’s best to freeze once and consume after thawing to enjoy maximum freshness.
Can I bake this recipe in a different pan size?
Yes, though baking times may vary. If using a smaller pan, the bread will be thicker and may need a longer bake time; a larger pan will bake faster. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick to ensure doneness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about baking Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe that brings warmth and joy to any day. Its perfect balance of flavors and moist texture make it an absolute kitchen favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and discover firsthand how a few simple ingredients can create a memorable, scrumptious treat that everyone will love.
Print
Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Paula Deen’s Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. This classic southern recipe combines simple ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar with optional pecans or walnuts for added texture, baked to golden perfection in a loaf pan. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it offers a comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any banana bread lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for your batter.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain the batter’s consistency.
- Mix in flavorings and bananas: Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed ripe bananas, and whole milk until everything is evenly combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can result in dense banana bread.
- Fold in nuts (optional): If desired, gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and flavor.
- Prepare the batter for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
- Cool the bread: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe to maximize sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter once adding the flour to keep the bread tender.
- For a richer texture, butter can be browned before use.
- Walnuts or pecans are optional but add nice texture and nuttiness.
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
