Walnut banana bread with a deep golden crust, sliced on a wooden cutting board beside ripe bananas and vintage floral kitchen linens.

Betty’s Banana Bread

Name: Betty’s Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3 tablespoons milk; 1 cup walnuts; ½ cup shortening; 1 cup sugar; 2 egg; 3 ripe bananas; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Wait until the bananas look almost too ripe and this loaf rewards you with a soft, sweet crumb. Betty's familiar cracked top turns deep gold around the walnuts as it bakes.

By Betty Lou GardnerAbout 2 hours 30 minutesUpdated 2026-08-25

This Banana Bread is a dependable family favorite with a soft, moist crumb, plenty of ripe banana flavor, and chopped walnuts in every slice. The loaf bakes with a deep golden crust and the familiar crack across the top, making it just as welcome at breakfast as it is for an afternoon snack or simple dessert.

Betty Lou Gardner in a family archival photograph

Granny’s Kitchen Notes

From Betty Lou Gardner

I save bananas on the counter until they look almost too far gone because that’s when the bread turns out sweetest. I always like seeing the top crack while it bakes because banana bread never looks right to me without it.

How to Make Betty’s Banana Bread

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Betty’s Banana Bread, preparation step 1.

Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven and thoroughly grease a loaf pan so the baked bread releases cleanly.

Betty’s Banana Bread, preparation step 3.

Cream the Base

Cream the shortening and sugar until the mixture looks light, smooth, and fluffy.

Betty’s Banana Bread, preparation step 2.

Add Bananas and Eggs

Mix in the beaten eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla until everything is evenly blended.

Betty’s Banana Bread, preparation step 4.

Mix the Batter

Whisk the flour and salt separately, then gently add them to the banana mixture. Finish with the baking soda dissolved in milk, mixing only until the batter comes together.

Betty’s Banana Bread, preparation step 6.

Betty’s Banana Bread, preparation step 7.

Fold in Nuts and Fill the Pan

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, then spread the batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan.

Betty’s Banana Bread, preparation step 8.

Bake and Cool

Bake until the loaf is deeply golden, cracked across the top, and fully set in the center. Cool briefly in the pan before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.