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Cast Iron Banana Bread Recipe

4.6 from 122 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 ⅓ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed bananas (about 23 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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add Buttermilk: Stir in ½ cup buttermilk into the batter, mixing thoroughly to create a moist consistency.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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