101 Cooking For Two

  • Recipes
  • About
  • FAQs/Help
  • Shop
  • ๐Ÿ“–Emails
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • FAQs/Help
  • Shop
  • ๐Ÿ“–Emails
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • FAQs/Help
  • Shop
  • ๐Ÿ“–Emails
ร—
๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Dessert Recipes

Betty Crocker Banana Bread Recipe

Updated: Mar 20, 2025 ยท Published: Feb 5, 2025 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 54 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

This Betty Crocker Banana Bread Recipe is adapted from the 1972 cookbook. Super moist and tender, this easy classic banana bread with only two bananas, oil, and common pantry ingredients. Add nuts to make the best banana nut bread, like Grandma would make.

๐ŸŒIngredients

Bananasโ€”overripe
Vegetable oil
Milk
Egg
Pantry ingredientsโ€”all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt
Nutsโ€”(optional) chopped walnuts or pecans

image of a loaf of banana nut bread on a cutting board
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • ๐ŸŒIngredients
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Banana Breadโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
  • โฒ๏ธHow long to bake banana bread?
  • ๐ŸฅฃIngredients options and variations
  • ๐Ÿค”Tips to make it right every time
  • ๐ŸŒBanana and Dessert Recipes
  • โฌ‡๏ธHow to make this a "for two" friendly banana bread
  • โ„๏ธHow to store banana bread?
  • โ“FAQs
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

quote mark
Featured Comment by Barbara:
โญโญโญโญโญ
"I love this recipe. So easy to make and delicious to eat."

Life doesn't get much better than a house filled with an enticing aroma of banana bread and a fresh slice coated with butter in your hand.

For decades, this has been our family's favorite recipe for the best banana nut bread. It's easy with simple ingredients; there is no need for buttermilk or baking soda. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Banana Breadโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

Two bananas with oil and quick bread ingredients are labeled.
Loaf pan coated with butter and then flour.

1. Grease and flour a loaf pan with a tablespoon of butter and a little flour.

Smashing two large bananas with a fork.

2. Mash 2 large (or 3 medium) overripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.

Mixing the bananas with other bread ingredients.

3. Add all other ingredients and mix by hand or beat at medium speed, but do not over-mix.

Smooth the batter into the loaf pan.

4. Pour the mixture into the floured pan and smooth with a rubber spatula.

Browned loaf out of the oven in the loaf pan.

5. Bake at 350ยฐ for about one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean or the internal temperature reaches 200ยฐ to 205ยฐ. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

For more details, keep reading. See the Recipe Card below for complete printable instructions.

โฒ๏ธHow long to bake banana bread?

It takes about 1 hour, give or take a little, to bake a large single loaf in a "standard" loaf pan (8ยฝ x 4ยฝ x 2ยฝ inches) or bigger. The endpoint is a clean toothpick test or a 200ยฐ to 205ยฐ internal temperature.

Save this recipe!

Enter your email address and we'll send the link straight to your inbox!

๐ŸฅฃIngredients options and variations

Adding a cup of chopped walnuts (or pecans) is the most popular addition. We always do this if not sharing outside of the household, but if it is shared, be aware of nut allergies.

Add half a cup of chocolate chips to replace half the nuts.

You may substitute buttermilk for the milk in the recipe. The original Betty Crocker recipe does not use buttermilk, and I find it has an excellent rise. However, buttermilk (or a substitute) will activate the baking powder more, giving increased rise and resulting in a softer result.

Some people like cinnamon or nutmeg (about ยฝ teaspoon) or vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), but these are not flavors I associate with banana bread. If you do, by all means, add them.

๐Ÿค”Tips to make it right every time

Use ripe bananasโ€”as they ripen, they become sweeter as starch breaks down and flavors intensify.

You can use 2 large to 3 medium bananas. The minimum amount of banana is 1 cup. You can increase the bananas slightly and decrease the milk if you wish.

Please only buy aluminum-free baking powder. The cost and performance are the same, but the aluminum has an unpleasant aftertaste for many people.

This version does not contain baking soda, which is slightly sour. The baking powder will give it a little more golden brown crust and a lighter texture.

While I suggest coating the loaf pan with butter and flour, which was common when the original recipe was published, a good coat of PAM cooking spray is also acceptable.

Do not try to make this a healthy recipeโ€”it is not. It is already relatively light in oil, and any decrease will make it less moist and tender.

๐ŸŒBanana and Dessert Recipes

Check out these other banana recipes, like Banana Pancakes, Banana Nut Muffins, Banana Cookies, and Banana Cake. And don't miss these other sweet dessert recipes, like Easy Apple Crisp, Apple Pie Bread, and Pumpkin Bread.

โฌ‡๏ธHow to make this a "for two" friendly banana bread

This is an easy recipe to cut in half. The full recipe makes make one large loaf or two smaller loaves. To make banana bread more "for two" friendly, you can make one smaller loaf in a "standard" loaf pan size (8ยฝ x 4ยฝ x 2ยฝ inches) or smaller.

  1. Use the recipe card and adjust the number of servings to half.
  2. Use the amount of ingredients in the ingredient list, not the instructionsโ€”those do not adjust.
  3. Cooking time will decrease by 15-20 minutes, but check earlier than that several times and watch for the endpoints.

โ„๏ธHow to store banana bread?

Like most quick bread, banana bread can be stored at room temperature and wrapped well with plastic wrap for 2-3 days. A tight layer of aluminum foil over the plastic wrap helps keep it airtight. The quality seems to deteriorate rapidly after 2 days.

Banana bread will store well in a freezer for 3 months. I suggest wrapping small amounts well and storing them in an airtight container.

โ“FAQs

How to be sure your banana bread is moist?

The two most important things are not to overcook and to store correctly. You can add an extra banana and decrease the milk by about the same volume. Do not decrease the oil.

How to use the toothpick test

The old-fashioned toothpick test involves inserting a toothpick into the center of a baked dish, like cake or quick bread. The dish is done cooking when the toothpick comes out clean.

What size of loaf pan to use?

This is not one of those little bricks of banana bread. As you can see in the pictures, it is a large loaf with a bit of a "muffin top," so use a standard or larger loaf pan.

If you want a thinner loaf, divide the batter into two loaf pans and reduce the baking time by 10 to 20 minutes.

"Standard" loaf pan size is 8ยฝ x 4ยฝ x 2ยฝ inches. But the length varies between 8 to 9 inches, the width between 4-5 inches, and the height between 2ยฝ to 3ยฝ. Some are even larger, and many that are much smaller.

I use a loaf pan that is 5 by 8ยฝ for one loaf.

Betty Crocker cookbook falling apart copyright 1969 printed 1972.
Our well-used Betty Crocker's Cookbookโ€”Printed 1972 ยฉ 1969
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

loaf of banana nut bread on a cutting board

Betty Crocker Banana Bread Recipe

4.89 from 9 votes
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
This Betty Crocker Banana Bread Recipe is adapted from the 1972 cookbook. Super moist and tender, this easy classic banana bread with only two bananas, oil, and common pantry ingredients. Add nuts to make the best banana nut bread, like Grandma would make.
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :12 slices
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Video Slideshow

Ingredients

US Customary - Convert to Metric
  • 2-3 bananas - over-ripe
  • 2 ยฝ cup AP flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder - aluminum-free suggested
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ยพ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - Optional

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350ยฐ, not convection.
    Two bananas with oil and quick bread ingredients are labeled.
  • Grease and flour a loaf pan with a tablespoon of butter and a little flour. PAM cooking spray will also work.
    Loaf pan coated with butter and then flour.
  • Mash 2-3 overripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour to the mashed bananas, 1 cup sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons oil, ยพ cup milk, 1 egg, and 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional).
    Smashing two large bananas with a fork.
  • Stir to mix or beat at medium speed with a hand mixer for 1-2 minutes, occasionally stopping to scrape the sides to ensure that all the ingredients are incorporated. Do not over-mix.
    Mixing the bananas with other bread ingredients.
  • Pour the mixture into the floured pan and smooth with a rubber spatula.
    Smooth the batter into the loaf pan.
  • Bake for about one hour, until a toothpick comes out clean or the internal temperature reaches 200ยฐ to 205ยฐ. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
    Browned loaf out of the oven in the loaf pan.

Recipe Notes

Recipe Notes

  1. You need 2 large or 3 medium overripe bananas. Use a minimum of 1 cup or a bit more of mashed bananas.
  2. The "Standard" loaf pan size is 8ยฝ x 4ยฝ x 2ยฝ inches. For a single loaf, use the standard pan or a slightly bigger one. The sizes of loaf pans are discussed in the post.
  3. If you choose to make two shorter loaves, the cooking time will decrease by 15-20 minutes, so check early.
  4. The old-fashioned toothpick test involves inserting a toothpick into the center; when it comes out clean, the loaf is done. However, if you don't have a toothpick or don't quite trust that, cook the loaf to an internal temperature of 200ยฐ to 205ยฐ in the thickest center.
  5. Store at room temperature, wrapped airtight, for 2-3 days. The quality will deteriorate on the fourth day.
  6. You can freeze banana bread for 3 months. I suggest wrapping small amounts well and storing them in an airtight container.

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.

To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 296 kcal (15%)Carbohydrates : 46 g (15%)Protein : 6 g (12%)Fat : 11 g (17%)Saturated Fat : 1 g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat : 5 gMonounsaturated Fat : 4 gCholesterol : 18 mg (6%)Sodium : 384 mg (16%)Potassium : 209 mg (6%)Fiber : 2 g (8%)Sugar : 21 g (23%)Vitamin A : 100 IU (2%)Vitamin C : 4.1 mg (5%)Calcium : 140 mg (14%)Iron : 1.8 mg (10%)

Originally published January 26, 2012. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

Dogs setting in the green yard.

More Dessert Recipes

  • Apple crisp with ice cream.
    Small Crock Pot Apple Crisp
  • Slice of flourless chocolate ganache cake on a spatula.
    Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe
  • Two lemon squares on a gray plate.
    Easy Lemon Bars
  • Chocolate chip cheesecake bars on a platter square view.
    Chocolate Chip Cheesecake or Cheesecake Bars

Comments

    This post has been updated and republished. All comments are held for moderation due to spam issues. Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Please leave a comment or question. All comments are moderated.




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Melody says

    February 06, 2025 at 9:30 am

    5 stars
    I appreciate the bread testing by internal temperature, rather than the toothpick trick (that always tricks me). Does this work for all bread, or only fruit/vege (zucchini) bread?

    I have to voice my undying love for your "taco seasonig" .. it's so versatile, and both adults and kids approve! I make big batches of it, and use it on chicken wings, shrimp tacos, sprinkled on a roast chicken etc. It's definitely a keeper! Thanks for making my life a little easier and tastier!

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      February 06, 2025 at 12:09 pm

      Hi Melody,

      Welcome to the blog and thanks for the compliments. I'm using the taco recipe again tonight.

      I know a lot of people are uncomfortable with the toothpick test. So, a definitive internal temp solves that issue. Most quick breads (all?) are done at 200ยฐto 205ยฐ although 195ยฐ is usually good and less drying sometimes. Yeast breads tend to be a bit lower, 195ยฐ to 200ยฐ.

      I'm a huge fan of every cook using a good instant-read thermometer. Also, grill temperatures are also critical to success.

      Thanks for the note and rating.

      Dan

« Older Comments

DrDan imageHi, I'm DrDan.
Welcome to 101 Cooking for Two, the home of great everyday recipes with easy step-by-step photo instructions.
About DrDan

Pan Seared 30-min. Dinners

  • NY strip steak cut on an orange plate
    Pan Seared New York Strip Steak (Oven Finished & Juicy Every Time)
  • pork tenderloin on blue platter
    Pan Seared Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin
  • cooked seared chicken breast on a white plate
    Pan Seared Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
  • filtet mignon with potatoes on a white plate
    How to Cook Filet Mignon in the Oven (Pan-Seared & Perfectly Juicy)
  • Pan Seared Oven Roasted Pork Chops from 101 Cooking for Two
    Pan Seared Oven Roasted Pork Chops
  • 30-Minute Boneless Pork Ribs (Oven-Baked Country-Style with BBQ Flavor)
SITES THAT I WORK WITH OR HAVE HAD RECIPES FEATURED OR REFERENCED.
SITES THAT I WORK WITH OR HAVE HAD RECIPES FEATURED OR REFERENCED.

Footer

BACK TO TOP
OF PAGE
Join the club
SUBSCRIBE TODAY

About

  • About DrDan and the Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Comment Policy
  • Guest Posts, Partnering, and Business Questions

Content

  • Food FAQ
  • Kitchen Reference Sheets
  • Recipes Featured in the Videos
  • Guide To Cooking for Two
  • Old Saved Recipes Collections

dogs by the pond

โ†‘ back to top โ†‘a

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Contact

COPYRIGHT ยฉ 2010-2025 101 COOKING FOR TWO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | BASED ON FOODIE PRO THEME