Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

Banana bread is a timeless favorite that combines simple ingredients into a moist, flavorful treat. This recipe delivers the best moist banana bread, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Its tender crumb and subtle sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the bread releases easily.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. A few small lumps can remain to add texture.
3. Step 3: Stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well blended and slightly glossy.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the bread dense.
6. Step 6: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for presentation.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool fully before slicing for neat portions.

Tips & Variations

• Add a swirl of peanut butter or cream cheese before baking for a gourmet touch.
• Top the loaf with sliced bananas for a bakery style finish.
• Replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
• Serve toasted with a smear of butter or honey for a simple but luxurious treat.

Storage

Store banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or rewarm gently before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and mash easily, resulting in a moister, more flavorful bread.

How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 146 reviews

This best moist banana bread recipe delivers a tender, flavorful loaf using simple, wholesome ingredients. Featuring ripe bananas, melted butter, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and rich with optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this banana bread is an ideal comfort treat year-round, with a moist crumb that slices beautifully.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 to 65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 to 12 slices 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the bread releases easily.
2. Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. A few small lumps can remain to add texture.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well blended and slightly glossy.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
5. Fold the mixtures together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the bread dense.
6. Add optional mix-ins: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for presentation.
7. Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool fully before slicing for neat portions.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bread.
• Use ripe bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture.
• Optional cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor but can be omitted.
• Nuts and chocolate chips enhance texture and richness but are optional.
• Store baked bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
• For a healthier twist, substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Adding a swirl of peanut butter or cream cheese before baking creates a gourmet variation.

Keywords: banana bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, homemade banana bread, baked banana bread, banana bread with nuts, banana bread with chocolate chips