Cast Iron Banana Bread Recipe
This classic Cast Iron Banana Bread recipe delivers moist, flavorful banana bread with a slight crunch from walnuts and a sweet banana topping. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it yields a perfect golden crust and a tender crumb, making it an irresistible homemade treat for breakfast or dessert.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2–3 ripe bananas)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup buttermilk
Toppings
- Crushed walnuts (for topping)
- 1 banana sliced (for topping)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-8 inch cast iron pans or one larger 10-12 inch cast iron pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of butter and 1 ⅓ cup sugar until light and fluffy, forming the base for your batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup mashed ripe bananas into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until all are well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Buttermilk: Stir in ½ cup buttermilk into the batter, mixing thoroughly to create a moist consistency.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the batter evenly into the greased cast iron skillet(s). Sprinkle crushed walnuts on top and arrange banana slices as a decorative topping.
- Bake: Place the skillet(s) in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Make sure to grease the cast iron skillet well to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with ½ cup milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Allow bread to cool slightly before slicing to achieve cleaner slices.
- Leftover banana bread can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Keywords: banana bread, cast iron skillet, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, walnut banana bread