Got some ripe bananas? Great! This banana bread is super moist and will make your kitchen smell amazing.
It’s soft, sweet, and tastes like bananas. Every slice is warm and comforting. No fancy ingredients—just simple homemade goodness.
It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat. Easy to make and hard to resist. So grab your bananas and a bowl. Let’s bake the yummiest banana bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Super Moist: Ripe bananas and a little butter make each bite soft and tasty.
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Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen.
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Great Anytime: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert.
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Make It Your Way: Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips if you like.
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Freezes Well: You can freeze the bread and it still tastes great later.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas until smooth and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and mashed bananas.
- Mix in sour cream or yogurt until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Tools You’ll Need
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9×5-inch loaf pan
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Large and medium mixing bowls
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Whisk or fork
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Spatula or wooden spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cooling rack
Banana Bread Variations (Ways to Change It Up)
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Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ to 1 cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
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Make It Healthier: Use half applesauce and half butter to cut down on fat but keep it moist.
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Nut-Free Option: Leave out the walnuts and raisins for plain, smooth banana bread.
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Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom gives it a warm, cozy flavor.
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Add a Topping: Sprinkle raw sugar or chopped nuts on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.
How to Serve Banana Bread
This banana bread tastes great by itself, but you can make it even better:
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Warm with Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm slice for extra flavor.
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With Cream Cheese: Add a thick layer of plain or sweet cream cheese for a rich treat.
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Toasted: Toast a slice to make it slightly crispy on the outside and soft inside.
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Banana Bread French Toast: Dip leftover slices in an egg mixture and fry them for a special breakfast.
Easy Decoration Ideas
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Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top after baking for a nice, simple look.
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Glaze Drizzle: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla, then drizzle it over the bread.
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Banana Slices on Top: Place a few banana slices on top of the batter before baking for a rustic look.
How to Store Banana Bread
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Room Temperature: Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days on the counter.
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In the Fridge: Keep it in the fridge for up to 6 days. Let it come to room temperature before eating for the best taste.
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Freezing:
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Whole Loaf: Wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil.
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Slices: Wrap each slice on its own.
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It stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave.
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Tips for Best Results
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Use Very Ripe Bananas: Bananas with lots of brown spots are sweeter and add more moisture.
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Measure Flour the Right Way: Spoon the flour into the cup and level it off. Too much flour can make the bread dry.
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Don’t Overmix: Stir just until everything is combined. Mixing too much can make the bread tough.
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Start Checking Early: Check the bread at 50 minutes. Baking too long will dry it out.
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Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool completely—it slices better and tastes best this way.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/10 loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
Note: Nutrition information is estimated based on standard ingredients and serving sizes.
Moist Banana Bread FAQs
1. What makes this banana bread so moist?
A: The moisture comes from using very ripe bananas and unsalted butter. These ingredients create a soft, tender texture that stays moist even after a few days.
2. Can I make this recipe without nuts or raisins?
A: Yes! The recipe is flexible. Simply leave out the walnuts and raisins for a smooth, nut-free banana bread.
3. How ripe should the bananas be?
A: The browner the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots — they’re sweeter and add more moisture and flavor.
4. Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just double all ingredients and bake two loaves at once. Be sure to use two separate 9×5-inch loaf pans.
5. Can I freeze banana bread?
A: Yes! You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
6. What can I use instead of butter?
A: You can substitute half or all of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan butter.
7. How should I store banana bread?
A: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 6 days. For best taste, bring chilled slices to room temp before eating.
8. Why did my banana bread turn out dry?
A: Dry bread is usually caused by too much flour or overbaking. Make sure to spoon and level the flour and start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark.
9. What are some fun mix-in ideas?
A: Try adding chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped dates, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor and texture.
10. Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes! Thaw frozen bananas first, drain any extra liquid, and mash them just like fresh ripe bananas.
Conclusion
Moist Banana Bread is the kind of classic recipe that never lets you down.
Whether you’re baking it for a lazy Sunday breakfast, meal prepping for the week, or just using up those overripe bananas on your counter, this recipe delivers soft, rich, tender results every time.
Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins, and don’t forget — it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy a slice of homemade comfort anytime you need it.
Happy Baking! 🍌💛
