Print

Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/best-moist-banana-bread-recipe/