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Moist Banana Bread Recipe

5 from 142 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

Keywords: moist banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, homemade banana bread, banana bread with butter, simple banana bread, breakfast bread, sweet bread recipe, cozy banana bread