There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? I can almost hear the happy chatter of my family as they gather around the kitchen, eagerly waiting for a slice of this delicious treat. Today, I’m excited to share my Simple Moist Banana Bread Recipe that guarantees tender, flavorful slices every time. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast option or a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to please! And if you’re in need of easy pasta recipes for quick family dinners, I’ve got you covered with some fantastic ideas too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfectly moist and fluffy, making it a family favorite.
- Great for using up overripe bananas—no waste here!
- Versatile enough to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful banana bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or substitute vegetable oil)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups mashed bananas (about 4 small bananas)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own moist banana bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×4-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Using a fork, mash the bananas until you have 1 ⅓ cups of smooth mashed bananas. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to cream them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Stir the mashed bananas into the wet mixture until evenly combined.
- Add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture. Stir gently just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye to avoid overbaking.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more brown spots, the better!
- Don’t overmix the batter; this will keep your banana bread fluffy and tender.
- Feel free to add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a delicious twist!
- If you want to make this a Classic Banana Bread Recipe, simply omit any add-ins.
- For a fun variation, try adding a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella before baking!
How to Serve
This banana bread is delightful on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Spread a little butter or cream cheese on a warm slice for extra richness.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful finish to your meal.
- For a fun twist, try it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup!
Make Ahead and Storage
This banana bread is perfect for making ahead of time! Here are some storage tips:
- Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy frozen banana bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Now that you have this Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe in your arsenal, you can enjoy this delightful treat any time! And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out my Beef Cheesy Burger Rollups or Ground Beef Stroganoff for quick weeknight dinner ideas. Happy baking!
Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Mash bananas to 1 ⅓ cups. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in bananas.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Pour into pan.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.