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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.

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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.

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  1. Linda says

    February 14, 2015 at 10:19 pm

    5 stars
    This is the recipe Ive used since married in 1980. I add an extra banana and 1 tsp vanilla. We love it

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      February 15, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      Hi Linda, Thanks for the notes and rating. I like the modifications.
      DrDan

  2. Linda says

    February 14, 2015 at 10:17 pm

    Ive been using this recipe since the early 80s Its the only banana bread my kids will eat I add an xtra banana and a tsp of vanilla. YUMMMM.

    Reply
  3. Rebecca says

    January 23, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    Thank you very much. Happy cooking!

    Reply
  4. DrDan says

    January 23, 2015 at 10:04 am

    It is powder not soda. The commenter had that wrong. The original recipe was 3 1/2 tsp so only a little boost. Use aluminum free to avoid any adverse taste.
    DrDan

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      January 23, 2015 at 6:13 pm

      Thank you very much! Happy cooking!

    • AnnieBananie says

      September 30, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      You use baking soda if your milk is sour like buttermilk or yogurt. And you use baking powder if the milk is sweet.

  5. Rebecca says

    January 23, 2015 at 4:22 am

    Your banana bread looks good. I'd like to try the recipe you used. Would you please confirm if the recipe calls for baking powder (as listed on the recipe) or baking soda (as mentioned in the comments. Also, how much of it did the Betty Crocker original recipe call for. Thank you very much.

    Reply
    • Lynn says

      April 11, 2016 at 3:15 pm

      Original recipe says 1tsp. baking soda

  6. Kelly says

    January 14, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    I'm something of a chocolate fiend, so when I make this recipe I like to reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup and substitute chocolate chips for the nuts. Either way, this is definitely the best banana bread recipe I've come across-thanks for posting!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      January 14, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      Sounds great!
      Thanks for the comment
      DrDan

  7. Steve Roth says

    October 05, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars
    Finally, a Sunday morning free to scroll through 101 cooking to locate a favorite treat. I love nutty banana bread and a simple ingredient list. But, thus far I have failed to locate "the perfect," recipe. I think that you have solved my dilemma and have probably provided me with the exact recipe that my mom would bake once or twice a month. Headed out for 3 bananas and some cream cheese.

    I have to score a copy of the 1972 BCC, which I now recall that my mother used, based on your photo. She only had one cookbook to her name, but she also relied on a file cabinet of farm girl recipes that she kept track of in her head.

    Out of an anti-establishment 1960's mind set, I tend to avoid E-bay like the plague. So, I will start with the 3 excellent used bookstores located here in Salt Lake. Yes, that Salt Lake City. But if I am left with no recourse, E-bay here I come. Thanks again! (Can I just say "thank you," once, knowing that most anyone making a comment appreciates the heck out of you and your loyal followers?). Maybe not. Good manners are always in keeping, per my mom.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      October 05, 2014 at 6:43 pm

      I do love that cookbook... It is actually my wife's and she got it new in 1972 when she worked at Sears. It is much loved. Daughter #2 ebayed one last year. Good luck at the book stores. All the old book stores around here are gone. Just antique malls and that could take forever to find.

      There is no other banana bread in my life. I try others but always come back.

      Thanks for the note and rating.
      Dan

  8. Joyce says

    September 12, 2014 at 8:53 pm

    5 stars
    I have been faithful to this banana bread recipe since I first got that cookbook when I went away to college in the 1970s! EVERYONE loves this banana bread! It is a never fail, and so easy.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      September 12, 2014 at 11:06 pm

      I love this cookbook.... One of my children couldn't live without it so got one on E-Bay.
      Now the recipe is just great. I compare all other banana bread to this and nothing comes close. This the standard for me.
      Thanks for the note and rating.
      DrDan

  9. DrDan says

    April 01, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    Done in by a typo again.... Fixed.
    I do love this bread and have been know to hide bananas at times to make it.
    DrDan

    Reply
  10. Rena says

    April 01, 2014 at 2:24 pm

    This recipe is delicious! Although my hubby looked at me weird when I asked him to bring the rake in so that I could cool my loaves. Kids loved it and adapted well to using whole wheat white flour. 5 out of 5!

    Reply
  11. Tammy says

    December 26, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    I made it exactly as written, and it had absolutely no banana flavor ( I even used 3 bananas). next time I will use 4 bananas and a box of instant banana pudding. i will also decrease the baking soda from 4 tsp to 3 tsps , as you can taste the powder. This is just my opinion, I like banana flavoring :) Loaf looked nice.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      December 26, 2013 at 10:13 pm

      I don't do a banana bread until they are almost black. More taste that way. Also for a "heavy banana person" like you, check out that ATK recipe. They crammed 6 bananas into one loaf. I like banana but quit not that much.

      I'm the one that increase the baking soda. I can't taste it ( but I'm believe some others may) and it gives a great extra lift and changes the texture some.

      Thanks for the comments.
      DrDan

    • Lynn says

      April 11, 2016 at 3:11 pm

      Look up Betty Crocker Original Recipes the 1972 edition and bake this bread it is the best ever Banana Bread.Dr. Dan? There is an old saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it!"

  12. aWebWizard says

    March 06, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    Cooking this tonight - YUMMY!

    Reply
  13. Dr Dan says

    January 13, 2013 at 8:03 am

    Thanks for sharing your story. This book holds so many treasures. This is just a wonderful bread and I'm sure the recipients of your gifts are grateful for the tasty thank you.

    Reply
  14. Claudia McDermott says

    January 12, 2013 at 11:31 pm

    When I first received this book in 1979, I thought it was very old fashioned and cheesy!! After a few years I began to make the banana nut bread, much to the delight of the people I made it for. For years, I gave this bread as a gift in exchange for the good deeds of others. As time went by with a career and children, the habit faded away. Now, after overcoming a grave illness and the diagnosis of MS, I have re-kindled the practice. With the financial limitations of Disability payments, I am blessed to receive the kind acts of others. It is my small gesture of thanks!!

    Reply
  15. Mumsfilibaba says

    January 28, 2012 at 7:46 pm

    Banana bread, have not done it for ages. Looks very yummy

    Reply
  16. Chris says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    Everyone in my family except me loves this stuff. Every time a few bananas get past the ideal ripeness (rare, around here, they disappear first), I know Alexis will be baking up a batch. I think her recipe is from the old Better Homes and Gardens classic cookbook.

    I developed a hate for bananas during my intense cycling training in the 90s. I ate so many out of necessity that I can't stand them anymore.

    Reply
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