Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe – Easy & Irresistible
Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen. This easy banana bread recipe is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a delightful dessert, this homemade banana bread is guaranteed to impress.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make the perfect banana bread with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist & Fluffy: The perfect balance of bananas, oil, and milk keeps the bread incredibly soft.
- Easy to Make: No mixer required—just a bowl, a whisk, and simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Overripe Bananas: A delicious way to use up those spotty bananas sitting on your counter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Wet Ingredients:
- 3–4 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for a sweet touch)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for warmth and depth of flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are okay, as they add texture to the bread.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
For extra flavor, fold in your choice of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy warm with a spread of butter, a drizzle of honey, or alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Measure accurately: Weighing ingredients or using proper measuring cups ensures consistent results.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can result in a tough texture. Stir gently until just combined.
- Let it cool completely: Cooling helps the flavors develop and prevents the bread from crumbling when sliced.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing:
- Keep banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
Freezing:
- Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Final Thoughts
This moist, soft, and flavorful banana bread is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade baked goods. Simple ingredients and an easy process make it perfect for beginners, while its rich flavor and texture will satisfy even the most experienced bakers.
Bake a loaf today and enjoy the irresistible taste of classic banana bread!