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Joanna Gaines banana bread recipe fresh from oven

Joanna Gaines Banana Bread Recipe

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The Joanna Gaines banana bread recipe is famous for its sugar-crusted topping, moist crumb, and rustic charm. With ripe bananas, brown sugar, and butter, it’s a Magnolia Table classic that’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to share.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: baking
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 tbsp salted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 4 –5 very ripe bananas mashed (leave slightly chunky)
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ cup chopped pecans optional
  • 1 –2 tbsp granulated sugar for topping

Equipment

  • 1 8x8-inch baking pan – for the square cake-like bake
  • 1 Mixing bowl – to blend wet and dry ingredients
  • 1 Hand mixer or stand mixer – for easy mixing
  • 1 Spatula – for folding batter
  • 1 Cooling rack – to rest the bread

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8x8-inch pan.
  2. Beat melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until combined.
  3. Mix in mashed bananas, leaving them slightly chunky.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold into wet mixture gently.
  5. Stir in pecans or chocolate chips if using.
  6. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
  7. Sprinkle granulated sugar generously over the top for the signature crust.
  8. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
  9. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm with butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 85gCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 290IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Notes

The sugar topping is the signature upgrade that defines the Joanna Gaines banana bread recipe.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Swap pecans for chocolate chips for a kid-friendly variation.
Use super ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.

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