Name: Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (mashed); 1/3 cup melted butter; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg (beaten); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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There is something truly comforting about homemade banana bread, and this Easy Moist Banana Bread recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Bursting with ripe banana flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, it’s the kind of treat that wraps you in warmth from the very first bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises an effortless way to make a loaf that feels like a special gift to yourself and everyone you share it with.

Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting this delightful loaf. Each one plays an important role, from the fruity sweetness of ripe bananas to the tender moisture the melted butter brings, ensuring your Easy Moist Banana Bread turns out incredibly soft and flavorful every time.

3 ripe bananas (mashed): Choose bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and natural moisture.
1/3 cup melted butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the bread’s crumb.
3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the loaf just right, balancing the banana flavor.
1 large egg (beaten): Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become airy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Amplifies all the other flavors, creating depth and balance.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread structure without heaviness.

How to Make Easy Moist Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your banana bread doesn’t stick, making slicing and serving a breeze later on.

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

Grab your ripest bananas and mash them thoroughly with a fork in a large bowl. This is where the magic begins, as the bananas’ natural sugars and moisture set the foundation for the bread’s famous softness and sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Bananas

Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until fully incorporated. This step enriches the batter and keeps your bread moist, giving it that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Mix in the Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla

Add sugar, the beaten egg, and vanilla extract to your banana mixture. Mixing these now ensures an even distribution of sweetness and flavor throughout every slice.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle baking soda and salt over your wet mixture, stirring gently to activate the leavening and season the batter. Then fold in the flour carefully—stir only until the flour disappears to keep your bread tender, avoiding a dense texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with that inviting banana aroma that guarantees something wonderful is coming.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Skipping this step might tempt you to slice too early, but waiting makes sure the loaf sets perfectly and slices cleanly.

How to Serve Easy Moist Banana Bread

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar gives a simple but elegant look, while a swipe of softened butter or cream cheese takes each bite up a notch. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking to add crunch or melty sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair this banana bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a classic combo that never fails. On brunch plates, it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt. Its moist texture makes it versatile, complementing both sweet and savory accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices warm with a drizzle of honey or homemade caramel sauce for a decadent treat. You can also transform the bread into a dessert by toasting and topping with nut butter and sliced bananas, turning your Easy Moist Banana Bread into a creative showstopper perfect for guests or a cozy solo snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, it stays moist and fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or afternoon snacks.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, slice and freeze the banana bread in a sealed container or freezer bag. Frozen this way, it maintains its moistness and flavor for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To revive your Easy Moist Banana Bread, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven tenderness and makes every bite feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal because they’re sweeter and mash more easily, giving your banana bread that signature moistness and rich flavor.

What if I don’t have baking soda?

Baking soda is essential for leavening here, but if you’re out, you can substitute with baking powder, using about three times the amount. Keep in mind that the texture and rise might be slightly different.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, both are fantastic additions! Stir in a half-cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.

How do I make the bread less sweet?

Reduce the sugar by a quarter cup if you prefer a less sweet bread. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas helps maintain the flavor, so it won’t compromise the moistness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to keep that perfect Easy Moist Banana Bread texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Moist Banana Bread recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser and one that you’ll return to time and again because it’s incredibly simple and reliably delicious. Each slice delivers cozy comfort with a touch of sweetness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So grab your ripe bananas and bake up a batch—you won’t regret filling your kitchen with that unforgettable aroma and your home with happy smiles.

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Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy moist banana bread recipe is a perfect way to use ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it yields a soft, flavorful loaf that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Ingredients

3 ripe bananas (mashed)
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg (beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easier removal after baking.
Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth to provide the base and moisture for the bread.
Add Butter: Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well combined, adding richness to the batter.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and mix until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Add Leavening and Salt: Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir gently to distribute evenly for proper rise and flavor balance.
Add Flour: Add the all-purpose flour and stir just until the flour disappears; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and moist.
Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
Cool in Pan: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to allow it to set and make it easier to remove.
Cool Completely: Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, ensuring the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bread tender.
Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor if desired.
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American