If you have been searching for a truly irresistible and tender treat, look no further than this Moist Banana Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect way to use up those extra ripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into a golden loaf that is bursting with warm cinnamon, rich vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness. Each bite melts beautifully in your mouth thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt, ensuring the bread stays soft and delightfully moist. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a classic favorite done right.

Moist Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Moist Banana Bread Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in crafting its signature flavor and texture. From the creamy butter to the perfectly ripe bananas, these pantry staples combine to create a loaf that is both comforting and satisfying.

All-purpose flour (2 cups/250g): The foundation of the bread, providing structure but keeping it tender when spooned and leveled.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Acts as a leavening agent to give the bread its light rise.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warm spice that complements the bananas beautifully.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup/113g), softened: Brings richness and moisture to the loaf.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup/150g), packed: Imparts a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the bread moist.
Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the structure.
Plain Greek yogurt or full-fat sour cream (1/3 cup/80g): The secret ingredient that makes this loaf irresistibly moist and tender.
Mashed bananas (1 1/2 cups/345g, about 3–4 ripe bananas): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and flavor complexity.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor, adding depth and warmth.
Optional mix-ins: 3/4 cup (90g) chopped pecans or walnuts, or 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra special touch.

How to Make Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. This ensures the bread will release easily once baked and keeps the crust from sticking, so you get a perfect slice every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step distributes the leavening agent and spices evenly throughout the flour, which is important for a uniform rise and consistent flavor in your Moist Banana Bread Recipe.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving the bread a tender crumb and rich flavor that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Yogurt, Vanilla, and Bananas

Beat in the eggs one at a time so they blend smoothly, then mix in the Greek yogurt, pure vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. The yogurt keeps the texture moist and soft while the bananas add natural sweetness and that unmistakable banana flavor we all love.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

On low speed, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bread light and tender. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in last with a spatula for even distribution.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. About halfway through baking, loosely cover the bread with foil to prevent over-browning. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf — if it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready!

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour to finish setting up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to avoid a crumbly texture and ensure perfect slices.

How to Serve Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a simple spread of butter to elevate your Moist Banana Bread Recipe, but you can also try a cream cheese frosting for a sweeter take. For a festive touch, sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts on top or drizzle a light honey glaze to keep things interesting and visually appealing.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit—think juicy berries or sliced apples—and a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt mixed with a drizzle of honey for a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Consider toasting thick slices and serving them with a dollop of nut butter and sliced bananas for a decadent snack. Alternatively, cut the bread into small cubes and thread them onto skewers with fruit for a fun banana bread kabob perfect for brunch parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. This prevents the bread from drying out and maintains that signature moistness everyone loves.

Freezing

You can freeze the Moist Banana Bread Recipe by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it inside a resealable freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the countertop, making fresh banana bread available any day of the week.

Reheating

To enjoy the bread warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. This revives the moist texture and brings back that freshly baked aroma that makes your kitchen smell like heaven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great as long as they are fully thawed and well-mashed before mixing. They might add a bit more moisture, so gently pat the banana mash if it seems too watery to keep your bread balanced.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt or sour cream, you can try using buttermilk or even mayonnaise to maintain moisture. Each option will slightly change the flavor profile but will still result in a wonderfully moist banana bread.

Is this recipe good without nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! The banana bread is delicious on its own thanks to the perfectly balanced ingredients, but feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips if you want extra texture and flavor. They’re totally optional and customizable.

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be tasty and moist.

Why is my banana bread dry?

If your banana bread turns out dry, it could be due to overbaking or using underripe bananas. Also, skipping ingredients like yogurt or sour cream can affect moisture. Following the Moist Banana Bread Recipe exactly and monitoring baking times closely are key to avoiding dryness.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Banana Bread Recipe is a delightful treasure to have ready in your baking arsenal. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and so wonderfully comforting that every slice feels like a warm hug from the inside. Trust me, once you experience this tender, flavorful loaf, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again — it’s simply that good!

Moist Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 75-80 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 10-12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Moist Banana Bread recipe delivers a soft, flavorful loaf that is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and a touch of cinnamon, it combines a tender crumb with a subtle sweetness. Optional nuts or chocolate chips add a delightful texture and richness. Easy to prepare and bake, this banana bread is a comforting treat that keeps well and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter to ensure the bread does not stick.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, ensuring a fluffy texture for the bread.
Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla extract, and thoroughly mashed bananas until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients using a low speed or folding method, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips gently.
Bake the Bread: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes. To prevent over-browning, loosely cover the bread with foil halfway through baking. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 1 hour to set. Then, remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, ensuring easy cutting and perfect slices.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moistness.
Substituting sour cream for Greek yogurt is optional; both provide moisture and tenderness.
Covering the bread with foil halfway through baking prevents the top from burning while allowing the inside to cook through.
Storage: Keep banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
To enhance the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg or a splash of orange juice to the batter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
Category: Baking, Snack, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American