Decadent Southern Banana Bread

As seen in: Homemade Bread Recipes

Country-style banana loaf. Needs 65 minutes. Yields 10 portions. Delicious sweet treat.
Olivia from Recipes by Clare
Created By Sophie
Last modified on Sat, 26 Apr 2025 21:54:51 GMT
Paula Deen Banana Bread Save This
Paula Deen Banana Bread | yumyumkate.com

Turn those spotty bananas into an incredibly soft, aromatic loaf packed with down-home Southern taste. This take on Paula Deen's classic gives you a sweet, rich banana treat that works for breakfast, snack time, or dessert—and tastes even better the day after you make it.

After trying many batches, I found that ingredients at the right temp and proper mixing methods really make all the difference in how this turns out.

Key Ingredients

  • Overripe bananas deliver natural sweetness
  • Unsalted butter creates decadence
  • Room-temp eggs build texture
  • Ground cinnamon brings warmth
  • Chopped nuts add texture if wanted
  • Pure vanilla rounds everything out

Baking Know-How

Making Your Base:
Beat sugar and butter until fluffy.
Banana Prep:
Smash them well before adding.
Gentle Folding:
Mix only until everything comes together.
Smooth Filling:
Spread batter evenly in pan.
Bake Watch:
Keep an eye on color and doneness.
Patience Period:
Let it sit before slicing.
Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe Save This
Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe | yumyumkate.com

Delightful Serving Suggestions

Dress up your banana bread for any occasion by:

  • Toasting slices with a pat of butter
  • Topping with fluffy cream
  • Pairing with coffee for morning meals
  • Bringing to afternoon gatherings
  • Wrapping portions for the freezer

Tasty Twists

Put your own stamp on this banana bread with:

  • Scattered chocolate morsels
  • Cinnamon-nutmeg blend
  • Plant-based ingredient swaps
  • Walnuts or pecans mixed in
  • Baking early for later enjoyment
Best Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe Save This
Best Paula Deen Banana Bread Recipe | yumyumkate.com

Keeping It Fresh

Make your loaf last longer by:

  • Sealing completely in wrap
  • Keeping on counter for 3-4 days
  • Putting in freezer up to 3 months
  • Using two layers for freezing
  • Warming carefully before eating

I've come a long way with this Paula Deen banana bread, turning a simple set of instructions into my go-to comfort bake. The secret really comes down to good ingredients and the right method—that's what makes a truly memorable treat that'll warm hearts at your table.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Best bananas to use?
Go for super ripe ones with dark spots all over.
→ Make it vegan?
Swap in flax eggs and plant-based milk/butter.
→ Add variations?
Throw in some cocoa bits or play with different spice combos.
→ How to store?
Just wrap it up and leave at room temp for up to 3 days.
→ Check if done?
Stick a toothpick in the middle and it should come out dry.

Southern Banana Loaf Classic

Down-home banana bread with buttery goodness and super-ripe bananas. Toss in some nuts for that lovely crunch if you fancy.

Time to Prep
15 Minutes Required
Time to Cook
60 Minutes Required
Overall Time
75 Minutes Required
Created By: Sophie

Recipe Category: Breads

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Serves: 10 Number of Servings (1 loaf)

Special Dietary Info: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

→ Dry Ingredients

Ingredient 01 2 cups regular flour
Ingredient 02 1 teaspoon baking soda
Ingredient 03 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 04 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

→ Wet Ingredients

Ingredient 05 1/2 cup soft butter, unsalted
Ingredient 06 1 cup white sugar
Ingredient 07 2 large eggs
Ingredient 08 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor
Ingredient 09 4 mushy bananas, smashed up
Ingredient 10 1/4 cup full-fat milk

→ Mix-ins

Ingredient 11 1/2 cup broken pecans or walnuts (if you want)

Step-by-Step Directions

Instruction 01

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9x5 bread tin. Mix all dry stuff together.

Instruction 02

Beat the butter with sugar till fluffy. Add eggs one by one, then stir in vanilla, banana mush, and milk.

Instruction 03

Slowly add the dry mix until barely blended. Toss in nuts if you're using them.

Instruction 04

Dump batter in the tin and cook for 55-60 minutes until it passes the toothpick test. Let it rest 10 minutes in the pan before cooling on a rack.

Additional Notes

  1. You can make it plant-based with the right swaps
  2. Throwing in some chocolate bits works great
  3. Play around with different seasonings

What to Have on Hand

  • 9x5 inch bread pan
  • Several mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Cooling grid

Possible Allergens

Inspect ingredients for allergens and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Has milk products
  • Contains egg
  • Made with wheat
  • Might have nuts

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, nutrition details are estimations and shouldn't replace advice from a health expert.
  • Calories: 280
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrate Content: ~
  • Protein Content: ~