Ultimate Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Emily Hartwell
This banana bread is soft, moist, and full of natural banana flavor. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat anytime.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 55 minutes mins
Cool Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Slices
Calories 275 kcal
- 1¾ cups 220g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup 150g brown sugar
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1¾ cups 430g mashed overripe bananas (about 3–4 medium)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Prepare the oven & pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add eggs & bananas: Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in mashed bananas and vanilla until smooth.
Combine wet & dry ingredients: Fold in the dry ingredients gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the bread tender.
- Room-temperature butter and eggs help the bread rise evenly.
- Try adding chocolate chips, walnuts, or raisins for extra flavor.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.