Despite its name, this vintage Banna Bread recipe is actually more like a soft banana drop cookie than a traditional loaf of banana bread. Recipes like this became popular in American home kitchens during the early and mid-20th century as ripe bananas became an inexpensive staple. Instead of baking in a loaf pan, the batter is spooned onto a baking sheet, producing tender, cake-like treats with lightly crisp edges and a sweet sugar topping. The mashed bananas keep the cookies moist while the simple pantry ingredients make this an economical and satisfying bake. It's a wonderful example of creative home baking that transforms overripe bananas into a comforting homemade dessert perfect with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shortening
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 tbsp sour milk
- 3 bananas (mashed )
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp baking soda (level tsp )
- additional sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Lightly grease or line a baking sheet.
Step 2: Cream the Base
- Cream the shortening with the sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until well incorporated.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the sour milk.
- Stir in the mashed bananas.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
Step 6: Make the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
- Mix just until combined.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
- Drop spoonfuls of batter from the end of a spoon onto the prepared baking sheet, forming oval shapes about 2–3 inches long.
Step 8: Finish
- Sprinkle the tops lightly with sugar.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake slowly for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges and set in the center.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips.
- Use browned butter in place of part of the shortening for a richer taste.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.
- Bake on parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar after cooling instead of granulated sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg