Moist Banana Bread Recipe
This moist banana bread recipe transforms ripe bananas and pantry staples into a tender, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With a buttery crumb and warm vanilla notes, it’s easy to prepare and yields a golden, soft bread that slices beautifully.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (113g) melted butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the oven rack in the center to ensure even heat circulation. Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, preparing it for the batter.
- Mash Bananas and Add Butter: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small lumps for texture. Stir in the melted butter gently until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
- Add Leavening and Salt: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt into the banana and butter mixture. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until fully incorporated to ensure a proper rise during baking.
- Combine Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Beat gently until the batter is glossy and thoroughly mixed, being careful not to overmix to maintain tender crumb.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, sprinkling over the wet ingredients. Fold the flour into the batter with a spatula until smooth and no flour streaks remain, avoiding over-stirring to prevent dense bread.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to get all batter into the pan and level the surface for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway through if necessary for even baking.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes, helping it to set. Then gently turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix batter once flour is added to maintain a tender crumb.
- Grease the loaf pan well to prevent sticking.
- The bread can be stored at room temperature for 2–3 days, refrigerated up to one week, or frozen for 3 months.
- Slice warm bread and top with butter, cream cheese, or nut butter for enhanced flavor.
- Add nuts or spices on top before baking for extra texture and taste if desired.
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