bannana bread recipe easy

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

Super Moist: Ripe bananas and a little butter make each bite soft and tasty.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen.
Great Anytime: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert.
Make It Your Way: Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips if you like.
Freezes Well: You can freeze the bread and it still tastes great later.

What to Know Before You Begin

Prep & Bake Time:

Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes

Servings:

Makes one 9×5-inch loaf (about 10 slices).
Want more? Double the recipe and bake two loaves at once.

Skill Level:

This recipe is simple enough for beginners but still fun for experienced bakers.

Tools You’ll Need

9×5-inch loaf pan
Large and medium mixing bowls
Whisk or fork
Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Ingredients for Moist Banana Bread

Ripe Bananas: 3 medium or large, mashed (the browner, the better)
Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (room temperature)
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup
Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten
All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
Walnuts: 1 cup, chopped (optional)
Raisins: ½ cup (optional, adds sweetness)

Banana Bread Variations (Ways to Change It Up)

Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ to 1 cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
Make It Healthier: Use half applesauce and half butter to cut down on fat but keep it moist.
Nut-Free Option: Leave out the walnuts and raisins for plain, smooth banana bread.
Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom gives it a warm, cozy flavor.
Add a Topping: Sprinkle raw sugar or chopped nuts on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.

How to Make Moist Banana Bread (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or masher. A few small lumps are fine.

3. Mix Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Use a whisk or hand mixer.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract with the butter and sugar.

5. Add Mashed Bananas
Stir in the mashed bananas gently until everything is mixed.

6. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

7. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry mix into the banana mix. Stir until the flour is blended in. Don’t overmix — a few lumps are okay.

8. Add Optional Ingredients
Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins if you’re using them.

9. Pour the Batter
Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

10. Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes. Check with a toothpick — if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done.

11. Cool
Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then move it to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing.

How to Serve Banana Bread

This banana bread tastes great by itself, but you can make it even better:

Warm with Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm slice for extra flavor.
With Cream Cheese: Add a thick layer of plain or sweet cream cheese for a rich treat.
Toasted: Toast a slice to make it slightly crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Banana Bread French Toast: Dip leftover slices in an egg mixture and fry them for a special breakfast.

Easy Decoration Ideas

Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top after baking for a nice, simple look.
Glaze Drizzle: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla, then drizzle it over the bread.
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

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.
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.
Freezing:
- Whole Loaf: Wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Slices: Wrap each slice on its own.
- It stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave.

Tips for Best Results

Use Very Ripe Bananas: Bananas with lots of brown spots are sweeter and add more moisture.
Measure Flour the Right Way: Spoon the flour into the cup and level it off. Too much flour can make the bread dry.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until everything is combined. Mixing too much can make the bread tough.
Start Checking Early: Check the bread at 50 minutes. Baking too long will dry it out.
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! 🍌💛