CAST IRON BANANA BREAD

Cast Iron Banana Bread recipe is everything you love about banana bread, baked in a skillet! Everyone loves this soft, flavorful homemade banana bread topped with sliced bananas & walnuts.

This skillet bread is great any time of day, serve it for breakfast, lunch or a snack, everyone is sure to love it. Make this cast iron bread to use up the ripe bananas you’ve got on your counter, this recipe is quick to pull together and the results are absolutely amazing!

Cast iron skillets are a versatile tool in any kitchen, and can be used for much more than just frying eggs or searing steaks. One delicious and unexpected use for a cast iron skillet is baking banana bread. Not only does the skillet give the bread a unique texture and flavor, but it also allows for easy cleanup and a beautiful presentation.

Banana Bread in a Skillet

You probably haven’t ever tried making your banana bread in a cast iron skillet, but believe me, you should! The skillet gives the bread a little extra flavor and the bread cooks evenly throughout the whole pan. This banana bread is so delicious, your whole family is sure to love this alternative way of cooking it. It has tons of banana flavor, that’s just one of the many reasons we love this recipe so much. Start your morning off with a tender slice of banana bread or pack a piece to-go, no matter when you enjoy them, you are sure to love this amazing banana nut bread!

What you’ll love this Cast Iron Banana Bread

• Great on-the-go snack. I like to make a pan of bread, then cool, slice and freeze in individual baggies. Since this bread is nice and filling, each slice makes a wonderful snack, breakfast or school lunch addition.
• Use up ripe bananas. The most common go-to for ripe bananas is banana bread, it never lets you down and always is a satisfying treat.
• Make them a little healthier. Swap out half the flour for whole wheat and enjoy this recipe in a slightly healthier way without removing any of the great flavors.

Why Use a Cast Iron Skillet?

Cast iron skillets are a versatile and durable kitchen tool that can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, including baking banana bread. Here are some of the benefits of using a cast iron skillet for this recipe:

Benefits of Using a Cast Iron Skillet

• Even Heat Distribution: Cast iron skillets are known for their ability to distribute heat evenly across the surface of the pan. This means that your banana bread will cook more evenly, with no hot spots or uneven browning.
• Retains Heat: Cast iron skillets are great at retaining heat, which means that your banana bread will stay warm for longer after it comes out of the oven. This is especially useful if you want to serve your banana bread as a dessert or snack later in the day.
• Non-Stick Surface: With proper seasoning and care, cast iron skillets can develop a natural non-stick surface that makes it easy to remove your banana bread from the pan without it sticking or falling apart.
• Adds Iron to Your Diet: Cooking with cast iron skillets can actually add iron to your diet, as small amounts of the mineral can leach into your food during the cooking process. This is especially beneficial for people who are at risk of iron deficiency.
• Versatile: Cast iron skillets can be used on the stove, in the oven, or even over an open flame. This means that you can use your skillet for a wide range of cooking tasks, from searing steaks to baking desserts.

Overall, using a cast iron skillet is a great choice for baking banana bread. It will help ensure that your bread cooks evenly, stays warm, and comes out of the pan easily.

Ingredients for Cast Iron Banana Bread

Butter: Use ½ cup of butter to give this bread a great rich taste.

Sugar: Adding in 1 ⅓ cup of sugar will help make this bread perfectly sweet and delicious.

Eggs: You will need 2 eggs to bind the ingredients together well and give this dish amazing texture.

Vanilla extract: Enhance all the wonderful flavors in this bread by adding in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

Bananas: For the great taste we all know and love, use 1 cup of mashed bananas (about 2-3 ripe bananas).

Baking powder: One of the leavening agents in this recipe is 1 tsp of baking powder.

Baking soda: Adding in 1 tsp of baking soda helps create a nice tender bread.

Salt: You will want to use ¼ tsp of salt to balance all the flavors in this bread recipe.

Flour: Use 2 cups of flour for the structural base of this skillet bread.

Buttermilk: Add ½ a cup of buttermilk to give the bread more moisture and a tangy richness.

Toppings: If desired, feel free to add some crushed walnuts and/or 1 banana (sliced) to the top of the bread before you bake it.

Preparing Your Cast Iron Skillet

Cleaning and Seasoning Your Skillet

Before using your cast iron skillet for banana bread, it’s important to clean and season it properly. This will ensure that the bread doesn’t stick to the skillet and that it cooks evenly.

To clean your skillet, use hot water and a stiff brush to scrub away any food particles. Avoid using soap, as it can remove the seasoning from the skillet. Once the skillet is clean, dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.

To season your skillet, rub a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted shortening onto the surface of the skillet. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the sides and handle. Then, place the skillet upside down in a 350-degree oven for about an hour. This will allow the oil to soak into the skillet and create a non-stick surface.

Tips for Preparing Your Skillet

Here are a few tips to help you prepare your cast iron skillet for banana bread:

• I recommend using a skillet that is at least 9 inches in diameter. This will ensure that the bread cooks evenly and doesn’t overflow. Alternately, you can use two smaller skillets.
• Preheat your skillet in the oven before adding the batter. This will help the bread cook evenly and prevent sticking.
• Grease the skillet with butter or vegetable oil before adding the batter. This will help the bread release from the skillet easily.
• Don’t overfill the skillet with batter. Leave at least an inch of space at the top to allow the bread to rise without overflowing.
• Use oven mitts or a thick towel to handle the skillet, as it will be very hot.

By following these tips and properly cleaning and seasoning your skillet, you’ll be able to make delicious cast iron skillet banana bread every time.

How to make Banana Bread in a Cast Iron Skillet

Prep

Get the oven preheating to 350°F. Then grease two 6-8″ cast iron pans or one larger 10-12″ cast iron pan.

Batter

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl.

Next, add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients including the baking powder, baking soda, salt and flour. Proceed to stir the dry ingredients into banana mixture.

After that, add in the buttermilk and mix until well combined.

Bake

Once the batter is ready, transfer it to the prepared cast iron skillet(s). Then top the batter with walnuts and banana slices, if desired. 

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until baked through, or a toothpick comes out clean.

Slice, serve warm and enjoy!

Serving and Storing Your Banana Bread

Serving Suggestions

After baking your delicious cast iron skillet banana bread, the next step is to serve it. There are several ways to serve banana bread, and it all depends on your preference.

One way to serve banana bread is to slice it into small pieces and serve it as a snack. You can also serve it as a dessert by adding whipped cream or ice cream on top of the slices. Another option is to toast the slices and spread butter or cream cheese on top.

For a more creative presentation, you can serve the banana bread in a bowl and add some sliced bananas, nuts, or chocolate chips on top. You can even slice the bread into cubes and use it as a base for a trifle or parfait.

Storing Your Banana Bread

If you have leftovers, you can store your banana bread to enjoy later. Here are some tips to keep your banana bread fresh and moist:

• Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air from getting in.
• Store the bread at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week.
• To freeze the banana bread, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label and date the package, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat the stored banana bread, allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving. You can also reheat the bread in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to make it taste fresh again.

Overall, serving and storing your cast iron skillet banana bread is easy and straightforward. By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious banana bread for days to come.

HOW LONG IS THIS BANANA BREAD GOOD FOR?

This bread can be kept stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months. The bread can be kept at room temperature, but I find it lasts longer if stored in the fridge.

What If I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk you can just as easily make your own. Simply substitute with milk and lemon juice. Using 1 cup of regular milk, plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, is the same as 1 cup of buttermilk. Voila, easy solution to that problem.

FAQ

Cast iron skillet banana bread is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Here are some frequently asked questions about this dessert:

1. Can I use any type of bananas for cast iron skillet banana bread? Yes, you can use any type of bananas for this recipe, but overripe bananas work best. They are sweeter and have a softer texture, which makes them easier to mash and incorporate into the batter.
2. Can I use a different type of skillet for this recipe? While cast iron skillets are recommended for this recipe, you can use other types of skillets. However, keep in mind that cast iron skillets distribute heat evenly and retain heat well, which helps to create a crispy crust on the banana bread.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the batter? Yes, you can add other ingredients to the batter, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. However, keep in mind that adding too many ingredients can affect the texture and consistency of the banana bread.
4. How do I know when the banana bread is done? Insert a toothpick into the center of the banana bread. If it comes out clean, the banana bread is done. If it comes out with batter on it, bake the banana bread for a few more minutes and check again.
5. How do I store cast iron skillet banana bread? Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months.

Can I Freeze Banana Bread?

Freezing banana bread is a great way to extend its shelf life and enjoy it later. However, not all banana breads freeze well. Here’s what you need to know about freezing banana bread.

Freezing Banana Bread

To freeze banana bread, make sure it is completely cooled first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure there are no gaps or air pockets. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and type of bread.

Thawing Banana Bread

To thaw banana bread, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the banana bread in the oven or microwave to restore its texture and flavor.

Tips for Freezing Banana Bread

• Use airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Slice the banana bread before freezing for easier thawing and portion control.
• Freeze banana bread for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Avoid freezing banana bread with cream cheese frosting or other toppings, as they may not freeze well.

In conclusion, freezing banana bread is a simple and effective way to preserve it for later. By following these tips, you can ensure that your banana bread stays fresh and delicious even after being frozen.

Need ideas for how to use up ripe bananas? Try these recipes:

• Chocolate Chip Banana Cake
• Peanut Butter Banana Bars
• Banana Cream Cheesecakes
• Banana Cream Cookies
• Cranberry Banana Bread
• Buttermilk Banana Cake
• Double Chocolate Banana Bars
• Banana Orange Bars
• Banana Strawberry Sorbet

This incredible Cast Iron Banana Bread recipe takes what you already know and love about banana bread, but baked in a skillet! Your family is sure to enjoy this moist, soft homemade banana bread topped with sliced bananas & walnuts.