Easy 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 for 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

How to Make 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: Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and give the bread a stronger banana flavor.

Try our other banana desserts like oat flour banana bread, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and Banana Bread Muffins.

2. Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.

3. Measure ingredients correctly: Too much flour can dry out the bread. Use the spoon-and-level method for best results.

4. Add moisture boosters: Ingredients like yogurt, sour cream, or a little oil help keep banana bread soft and moist.

5. Check for doneness early: Oven temperatures vary, so test with a toothpick a few minutes before the baking time ends.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

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

More Browines Recipes You’ll Love:

• Banana Brownie
• Butterscotch Brownies 
• Peppermint Brownies
• Matcha Brownies

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

A: Yes! Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor and makes the bread even moister. Try our sugar cookies recipe. 

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.

Can I skip the nuts?

A: Absolutely. The nuts are optional; you can replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruit.

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.

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!

If you make this recipe, I’d love it if you could leave a star rating ★ below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creation!