Simple and easy recipe for banana bread. My Mom used to make this for us all the time! So many great memories of this banana bread.
I love Banana Bread. Any time I make it I feel nostalgic. It was something my Mom made often. We loved her Banana Bread so much. So any time I want to remember my mom, or I’m having a bad day I make it and instantly feel better.
Today marks 30 years since my Mom passed away. Every year I write about her on this day. It helps me feel better. It reminds me that life is short.
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This year was rougher than usual. I think it was the number. 30. Simple number. Not much to think about. Yet it struck me that 30 years was twice the number of 15, the age I was when she died. So it meant she’s been gone for twice the amount of time I had her for. I’m not sure why that fact hit me hard, but it did. Some years are harder than others. This was one of them.
However, I’m rational enough not to let any of this consume me. I’m generally a happy-go-lucky type of person. I spend an enormous amount of time each day laughing and joking. That’s who I am at the core. Yet one day a year I allow myself the gift of being in a bad mood without feeling guilty about it. I’m a little quieter today, quicker to get annoyed or angry. So I tend to avoid people so I don’t unload my issues on them. My family knows I’m okay each year, that I just need some space and quiet. I’m not a demonstrative type of person so a hug won’t help me. They know and understand, which I appreciate.
So today I made some of my Mom’s favourite foods, I thought about her a lot, and I missed her like I do every day. Each year I write about her to honour her, and let people know what an amazing Mom I had. I find sharing my story helps me, and maybe it’s helps some others at the same time. Sharing her recipe with you feels like I get to share a small piece of my childhood with you all. There are so many happy memories and bright spots. Mom’s Banana Bread was a definite bright spot.
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- 1 and 1/3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup shortening you can use softened butter or coconut oil as well
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups mashed banana I like to do mine so it still has some texture
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Use non-stick spray or oil, and prep a loaf pan. Set aside.
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Combine your flour, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. Sift it once.
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In a stand mixer (or bowl with hand mixer, or even by hand, whatever you have to work with!) beat the shortening and sugar together until combined. Add the eggs, beat until fluffy.
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Now add your dry ingredients and mashed bananas alternately, mix well. Pour into your greased loaf pan. Smooth the top and place on the middle rack in the oven. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You want the top browned. You can insert a toothpick in the middle to check, if it comes out clean your banana bread is perfect.
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Allow to cool in pan for about 5 minutes. Then invert pan to remove the loaf. Allow to cool completely on a baking rack.
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Serve with a big old banana loving smile!
I'm not sure where my Mom got this recipe. If I knew I'd offer credit. Unfortunately I have no idea where hers came from. My best guess is Betty Crocker.
You can add nuts if you like. We don't care for nuts in ours, but if we did I'd toss in about 1/2 cup.
I like vanilla in my banana bread but my mom's version did not use it. Feel free to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
I go "old school" for this and use shortening. Sometimes I'll do a shortening and butter combo, use the same amount needed but do half shortening and half butter. It gives the best of both worlds. Coconut oil is a healthy option but I like the original recipe the best.
I love this recipe. It is so delicious and just the right texture. Not too dry, not too moist. Absolute perfection, especially hot out of the oven.
I love recipes that remind me of my childhood, and my Mom. I feel really fortunate she was part of my life.
If you want to learn more about my Mom you can read this post where I made her Apple Crisp, or this post, or this post with an oven fry recipe, and also this remembrance post. You can find her favourite Peanut Butter Cookie recipe on the site too.
I’ll be sharing more about her on March 20 to commemorate her birthday. I’ll be sharing a post that includes other blogger’s sentimental favourite posts of 2013.
Thanks for spending some time with me today. It’s such a cool thing to share my passion with others. The added bonus is being able to share bits of my life with you. Thanks for listening.
Other Family Favourite Recipes of my Mom’s:
Momzie’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Toodles and smoochies! xx
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Lana says
Reading this, and the remembrance post that you wrote, brought tears to my eyes. I’m very sorry for your loss. At the same time though, I enjoyed reading this; it was heartening to read about your memories of her, and I’m glad knowing that it helps you to share with us, too. It’s inspiring to know that you honor your mom like this each year.
Thank you for sharing this, my thoughts are with you.
Choc Chip Uru says
You are such a strong person my friend, and I am sure your mother would be so proud of you. You honour her memories beautifully, thank you for sharing her stories and recipes with us.
Hugs
Uru
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
She’s looking down and she’s so proud of the woman you’ve become. You’ve got fans on every continent. Okay maybe not Antarctica. 🙂 I think it’s wonderful that you honor her every year by making her favorite dishes.
Javelin Warrior says
I know you said you’re not demonstrative and hugs don’t really help, but when I read something this filled with emotion and love, that’s the first thing I want to do. So I’ll restrain my hugging, but hugs to you none the less. And it’s beautiful that you’ve kept the memory of her love alive for 30 years. Banana bread is a wonderful tribute too – I can’t resist it and this looks so good… Now whenever I make banana bread, I know I’ll be thinking of you and your mother…
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Touching post. Such a nice tribute to your mom. And delish looking recipe. Remembering can be such a comfort, can’t it? Thanks for sharing this.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Aw Kim, you always make me tear up when you talk about your mom! I know she’d be so proud of you and I’m glad you’re able to pay such a beautiful tribute to her. This banana bread is perfect in every way 🙂
Liz says
I have always loved that photo of you with your mom. And her banana bread looks perfect!!!
Sarah says
There is always someone in the family that remembers everything, knows the who did what and where. You are blessed to be that one. I hope you keep writing everything you can about your mother and family so it is remembered for everyone.
movita beaucoup says
There are some holes in our hearts that can never be filled. Sending you love and support… xox
Laura Dembowski says
I am so sorry your mom died when you were so young. It is nice you have recipes to remind you of her. This banana bread looks wonderful.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
What a great way to remember your mom. Love the picture of you two together. You can see the love.
Isabelle @ Crumb says
Sending you love and hugs, Kim. I know that your mom would’ve been pleased as punch to see what a fabulous lady you turned out to be.
Kate@Diethood says
Goosebumps, tears… I’m sorry, my friend. 🙁
LOVE YOU! {{{HUGS}}}
Sally Tews says
Nice post and remembrance of your Mother.I saved your Mother’s recipe for Banana Bread and
her p-nut butter cookies.Great way to remember your Mom.You have wonderful
memories and wonderful pictures.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Kim, I always get choked up a bit when I read your posts about your mom (especially seeing that beautiful photo of you two together. It slays me). I know I’m late but I’m still sending you love and good thoughts! I’m glad that making your mom’s banana bread helps you remember her and helps ease a bit of the pain.
Emma says
Thanks so much for this! I added some white chocolate and milk chocolate ship cookies… absolute hit with the family!
Kim Beaulieu says
Oh my gosh Emma, this just made my day. I’m so happy you liked it. This recipe has so much sentimental attachment to it so it’s nice to hear other families love it. xx
Sarah C says
Thank you so much for sharing your mother’s recipe. I actually came across this yesterday in my facebook feed and then was searching frantically for it today (only shows up on my app, but not my computer feed….grrr). Anyway, we just had a few slices…amazing. This is the first banana bread I’ve made that came out perfectly the first time.
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know Sarah. I love this recipe. I wish I knew where my Mom got it from. I turns out perfectly every time. Plus it’s just so easy. I am so happy you liked it. You made me smile. xx
Michelle Willis says
I decided to add to your wonderful recipe, by adding 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder to the shortening/sugar mix . It turned out amazing . Just like Chocolate covered bananas but not so sweet
Kim Beaulieu says
Hi Michelle. That sounds absolutely amazing. I love that idea.
We made it recently with chocolate chips in it. So good!