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Some recipes don’t need reinventing. They just need a chance to shine again.

I had some bananas starting to turn and a craving for banana bread, so I took to the recipe book shelf and found this southern gem in an old Morgan County, Georgia High School cookbook from the 1970s. A simple banana nut bread recipe submitted by local homemakers. The ingredient list was short, the instructions were straightforward, and it felt like exactly the kind of recipe worth bringing back into a modern kitchen.

I stayed true to the original while making a few small updates: a little extra vanilla, a touch of cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. The result was a beautifully golden loaf with a tender crumb, warm spice, and classic banana flavor.

There’s something special about bringing an old community cookbook recipe back to life. This loaf may have started in a Morgan County kitchen decades ago, but it still feels right at home today. Whether you’re looking to use up ripe bananas or simply craving a slice of old-fashioned comfort, this recipe delivers.

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https://video.wixstatic.com/video/a44a5b_a5270df5fd4c4ba3af773170df0a40d8/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

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Tools From the Kitchen:

• Large mixing bowl

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon

• Sifter or fine mesh strainer

• 1-quart glass loaf dish or 9x5 loaf pan

• Parchment paper

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 3 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)

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Prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly grease a loaf pan or 1-quart glass baking dish. Line the bottom with a strip of parchment paper, allowing enough overhang to lift the loaf out after baking.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

   
   

4. In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil and sugar.

5. Add the beaten eggs and mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until combined.

7. Add the milk and vanilla extract and mix just until incorporated.

8. Fold in the toasted pecans, if using.

9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

10. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

11. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before lifting it out with the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Notes From the Kitchen:

• Very ripe bananas provide the best flavor and moisture.

• Toasting the pecans adds extra depth and crunch.

• The loaf tastes even better the next day.

• Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to four days.

• This bread freezes beautifully for future snacking.

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Fun Bonus from RGJ kitchen:

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Toasted Banana Bread with Crunchy Peanut Butter, Honey & Cherries

The banana bread was delicious on its own, but the next day I decided to dress up a couple slices for an afternoon snack.

A quick trip through the toaster, a generous layer of crunchy peanut butter, a drizzle of wildflower honey, and a handful of fresh cherries turned this simple banana bread into something special.

It’s sweet, crunchy, fruity, and just a little messy in the best possible way.

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https://video.wixstatic.com/video/a44a5b_c6e9c2a169c14931b2cae0a7c4becf90/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

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Tools From The Kitchen:

• Cutting board

• Knife

• Cherry pitter

• Toaster

• Butter knife

• Plate

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Ingredients:

• 2 slices banana bread

• Crunchy peanut butter

• Wildflower honey

• Fresh cherries

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Prepare:

1. Slice banana bread.

2. Toast slices until lightly crisp around the edges.

3. Pit fresh cherries.

4. Spread toasted banana bread with crunchy peanut butter.

5. Drizzle with honey.

6. Top with cherries or sandwich them between slices.

7. Enjoy immediately.

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Notes From The Kitchen:

• Crunchy peanut butter adds great texture.

• Fresh cherries bring a sweet-tart contrast to the rich banana bread.

• Wildflower honey ties everything together.

• This works equally well as breakfast, snack, or dessert.

• The sandwich version is messy but worth every bite.