Go Back
Olivia

Moist Banana Bread Recipe

This moist banana bread recipe delivers a soft, tender crumb and rich banana flavor in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, it’s easy to make with ripe bananas and pantry staples. Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for a family favorite that’s always a hit.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 3 to 4 very ripe bananas mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
  3. Stir in the melted butter until fully combined.
  4. Mix in the sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract.
  5. Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then gently fold in the flour until no streaks remain.
  6. Add any optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips at this stage.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  10. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Moist Banana Bread – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots — they’re sweeter and keep the bread moist.
Mash the bananas thoroughly for a smooth, even texture in the batter.
Don’t overmix the wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can make the bread dense and tough.
Use melted butter or a combination of butter and oil to retain moisture and add richness.
Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
Toast slices lightly for breakfast or snack, then drizzle with honey or nut butter.
Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.
Add fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Mash bananas and mix dry ingredients a day in advance — store separately until ready to combine.
Refrigerator: Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy thawing.
Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore softness.
Tasty Variations to Try
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for a kid-friendly twist.
Nutty Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Cinnamon Swirl: Swirl a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar into the batter before baking.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Mix ¼ cup peanut butter into the batter for a rich, nutty flavor.
Tropical Twist: Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut or chopped dried pineapple for extra flair.