National Banana Bread Day Date in the current year: February 23, 2024

Bananas were first brought to the United States from Jamaica in the 1870s; they quickly became one of the most popular fruits on the market. Eventually bananas became a common ingredient in various desserts, including banana bread.

The first printed recipe of banana bread dates back to the time of Great Depression. It is believed by some food historians that resourceful housewives started using overripe bananas in pastry instead of throwing them away. However, others believed that banana bread was popularized by baking soda and baking powder producers to promote their products.

Banana bread is so popular because it is easy to bake and is made with accessible ingredients: bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking soda or baking powder. Common additions to the batter include vanilla extract, various spices such as cinnamon, chopped nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, blueberries, orange zest, etc.

Dig out your time-tested banana bread recipe and bake it to share with your family and friends on this day!