Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe

If there’s one recipe that captures the heart of Southern baking, it’s Paula Deen Banana Bread. Soft, moist, and loaded with real banana flavor, this loaf is everything you love about homemade comfort food, simple ingredients, classic taste, and a buttery aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.

Inspired by Paula Deen’s Southern charm, this banana bread is tender on the inside with a beautiful golden crust on the outside. Each bite melts in your mouth, bursting with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas and walnuts. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe promises a slice of home-baked happiness every time.

Ingredients of Paula Deen Banana Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts 

Equipment

• Loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions for the Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a loaf pan.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4: Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Add the chopped nuts and mix well.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly and top with walnuts. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator & Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving until it tastes freshly baked again!

Pro Tips for the Banana Bread

1. Use very ripe bananas — they add natural sweetness and extra moisture.
2. Always use real butter for that classic Paula Deen flavor.
3. Toast the nuts before folding them into the batter for a richer aroma.
4. Add chocolate chips or coconut flakes for a creative twist.
5. Serve it slightly warm with butter or cream cheese!

Nutrition (Per Slice)

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 23g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

More Cake Recipes You’ll Love:

• Banana Brownie
• Butterscotch Brownies 
• Butterscotch Blondies
• Cannoli Cookies 

FAQs

Q1: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
A: Yes! Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor and makes the bread even moister.

Q2: What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
A: Bake them with the peel on at 300°F for 10–15 minutes until soft and dark, then cool and mash.

Q3: Can I skip the nuts?
A: Absolutely. The nuts are optional; you can replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Q4: How do I know when it’s done?
A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the top will be golden brown.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Just divide the batter into two pans or bake one after the other.

Final Thoughts

This Paula Deen Banana Bread is everything you want in a homemade loaf soft, buttery, and full of banana goodness. It’s a classic recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or topped with a little butter, each slice is a reminder of simple Southern goodness baked with love.

So next time those bananas start turning brown, don’t toss them — turn them into this sweet, golden loaf that everyone will adore!