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; 1 large egg (beaten); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Jump to Recipe

If you have a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on your counter and are craving something cozy and delicious, this Easy Moist Banana Bread is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless recipe that promises a soft, buttery crumb with just the right amount of sweetness, making it the perfect treat to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this loaf is straightforward to make and delivers that comforting, homemade flavor that only banana bread can offer.

Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing this Easy Moist Banana Bread calls for simple, everyday ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas to the richness of melted butter, every component combines to build the perfect texture and flavor.

3 ripe bananas (mashed): The star of the show, they provide natural sweetness and keep your bread wonderfully moist.
1/3 cup melted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
3/4 cup sugar: Balances the flavors with just enough sweetness without overpowering the bananas.
1 large egg (beaten): Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the loaf rise beautifully, ensuring a light and airy texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances all the flavors perfectly.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the bread without making it heavy.

How to Make Easy Moist Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread comes out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork. The smoother you get them, the better they’ll integrate, giving your bread that signature moist texture.

Step 3: Mix in Melted Butter

Pour the melted butter right into the mashed bananas, stirring well. This step infuses the batter with richness and keeps the crumb tender and soft.

Step 4: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Incorporate the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract next, mixing gently until you have a consistent, evenly blended batter that smells irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Baking Soda and Salt

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over your mixture; these small touches are key to the bread’s rise and flavor balance. Stir carefully, allowing the ingredients to work their magic.

Step 6: Fold in the Flour

Add the flour to the bowl and stir just until it disappears into the batter. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so gentle folding here keeps it perfectly tender.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the aroma fills your kitchen with warmth.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack. Waiting until it’s completely cool before slicing helps maintain that lovely moist texture and makes cutting much easier.

How to Serve Easy Moist Banana Bread

Garnishes

While this Easy Moist Banana Bread shines on its own, adding a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate every bite. For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top—it adds a delightful texture and extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it an ideal companion for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the banana bread into thin pieces and toasting them for a crunchy twist. Spread cream cheese or nut butter on toasted slices for a scrumptious twist. For parties, consider turning it into mini banana bread muffins to share the joy with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Easy Moist Banana Bread is cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist on the counter for about 2 to 3 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your banana bread longer, freezing is your best bet. Wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can have this delicious treat anytime you want.

Reheating

To bring your banana bread back to life, warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This revives that soft, comforting texture and enhances the flavors, making it taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Absolutely! Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor that complements the bananas wonderfully. Just substitute it in a 1:1 ratio for the white sugar.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your bread is perfectly baked.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, you can fold in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips, to boost texture and taste. Just add them right before pouring the batter into the pan.

What if I don’t have very ripe bananas?

For best results, use bananas that have plenty of brown spots—they’re sweeter and softer, which adds moisture and flavor. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! This Easy Moist Banana Bread recipe is straightforward with simple steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for anyone just starting to experiment with baking.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Easy Moist Banana Bread is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug from the inside out. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a joy to bake and share. Next time you find some bananas getting too ripe, you’ll know exactly what to do to create a delicious loaf that brightens any breakfast or snack time.

Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Moist Banana Bread recipe is a simple and delicious way to use ripe bananas to make a soft, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. With just a few basic ingredients, it comes together quickly and yields moist, tender bread with a sweet banana flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

3 ripe bananas (mashed)
1/3 cup melted butter
1 large egg (beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
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 perfect temperature for baking the banana bread.
Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bread after baking.
Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth to create the base of your batter.
Add Butter: Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas until the mixture is well combined, enhancing moistness and flavor.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix until everything is evenly blended for a uniform batter.
Add Leavening Agents: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir gently to distribute evenly, ensuring proper rising and taste balance.
Add Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and stir just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
Bake: Bake the banana bread for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
Cool in Pan: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before removing.
Transfer to Rack: Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread moist and tender.
If you prefer, you can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste.
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
The bread can be frozen wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American