This easy banana bread is so moist and fluffy, you’ll be asking for seconds! Made with ripe bananas and just a few simple ingredients, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love how the sweet aroma fills the kitchen while it bakes—it’s like a warm hug in the form of bread. 🍌 Plus, it’s a great way to use up those brown bananas sitting on the counter!
With this recipe, I can whip it up in no time, and it always disappears in a flash. I sometimes toss in chocolate chips for an extra treat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The key to a moist banana bread is using ripe bananas. Look for bananas that are brown and soft for the best sweetness. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake unripe ones at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the ripening.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter contributes to the rich flavor of the bread. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer a dairy-free option, and it will still turn out great!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical for sweetness. For a healthier alternative, you could use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Adjust the quantity slightly since these substitutes can be sweeter.
Flour: All-purpose flour is versatile, but if you’re looking for gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will keep the texture enjoyable.
How Can I Ensure My Banana Bread is Perfectly Moist?
To get that ideal moist texture, remember a couple of things. First, don’t overmix the batter! When blending the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
Also, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking with a toothpick at the 60-minute mark. If it comes out with a few crumbs, it’s perfect!
- When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t pack it down!
- Let the bread cool properly. Cooling in the pan helps maintain moisture.
Enjoy making your banana bread, and feel free to get creative with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips! 🍌
Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe Everyone Will Love
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 60-65 minutes to bake. After it’s done baking, you’ll let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your banana bread bakes evenly. While it’s heating up, prepare your loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas and pour in the melted butter. Mix them together until well combined. You want to make sure the butter is not too hot, so it doesn’t cook the eggs later!
3. Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla:
Next, stir in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This combination gives the bread its lovely sweetness and flavor!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly for a nicely risen loaf.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. It’s totally okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Add Optional Mix-Ins:
If you want, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips at this stage for some extra texture and flavor. Mix them in gently so they’re evenly spread throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps it bake evenly and gives it a nice presentation!
8. Bake the Bread:
Put the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cooled, slice it up and enjoy your deliciously moist banana bread!
Enjoy your moist, delicious banana bread! 🍌
FAQ: Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen bananas completely before mashing them. This actually makes them easier to mash, and they’ll still give your banana bread the same delicious sweetness!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can substitute half of the amount of granulated sugar with applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You could also reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup if your bananas are very ripe!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! You can mix in ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips. Just remember to keep the total mix-ins to about 1/2 cup to ensure the right consistency of the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
To store your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or use an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
