by Sheryl Spencer

Created on: July 05, 2008

For an old fashioned banana bread that is simple, yet simply irresistible, here's a recipe that won't let you down.

Old Fashioned Banana Bread

5 large ripe bananas
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup shortening (I prefer butter flavored Crisco, it adds excellent flavor)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease 2 - 9x5 inch loaf pans.

In a medium bowl, mash the bananas and then stir in the eggs and vanilla until well blended. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat shortening and gradually add the white and brown sugars. Stir in the banana mixture. Next add the baking soda and salt, then gradually stir in the flour. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans, dividing equally.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. I like to remove the bread from the pans once they are done so they retain their moistness. To insure they don't stick to the pans, simply give the pans a good tapping on the counter to loosen the edges, then turn upside down and the bread slides out easily.

Note - You can add chopped nuts if you'd like, or even coconut to add some variations to this recipe. This bread also freezes very well.

Learn more about this author, Sheryl Spencer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.