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Easy Moist Banana Bread – Soft, Sweet, and Perfect Every Time

Few baked goods are as comforting and satisfying as a warm, moist slice of banana bread. This Easy Moist Banana Bread recipe is your go-to when you’ve got ripe bananas and want to bake something simple, sweet, and crowd-pleasing. With just 8 basic ingredients and one bowl, it’s a foolproof recipe that’s perfect for beginners and pros alike. The banana flavor shines through, the texture is ultra-soft, and the sweetness is just right — no fancy tools, no complicated steps. Just pure banana bread perfection in under an hour. Whether you're baking for breakfast, snacking, or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Bake time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍌 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
🥚 Fresh Ingredients
  • 1 large egg
🥄 Dry & Flavor Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧈 Dairy
  • 1/3 cup butter melted and slightly cooled (unsalted or salted)
🍫 Optional Add-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.

Equipment

  • Here’s all you need to make this moist banana bread:
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Butter knife for slicing
  • 🍞 Bonus: No mixer required — it’s all mixed by hand!

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
  1. In a large bowl, mash the 3 bananas with a fork until smooth but still a bit chunky for texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
  1. Stir in the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
  1. Add the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt directly into the bowl.
  2. Mix gently just until combined — don’t overmix!
Step 5: Pour and Bake
  1. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  2. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🍯 Serving Tip: Serve warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey for the ultimate cozy bite.

    Notes

    🧊 Storage & Reheating
    Room Temperature
    Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
    Refrigerator
    Store for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
    Reheat in microwave for 10–15 seconds per slice.
    Freezer
    Freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months.
    Wrap in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.
    🥄 Variations
    Want to switch things up? Try these creative twists:
    🍫 Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips before baking.
    🌰 Banana Nut Bread – Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
    🍓 Berry Banana Bread – Fold in 1/2 cup blueberries or raspberries.
    🍯 Honey Banana Bread – Replace sugar with 1/2 cup honey for a naturally sweet version.
    🥥 Coconut Banana Bread – Mix in 1/4 cup shredded coconut and a dash of cinnamon.
    🧁 Mini Loaves or Muffins – Pour into muffin tins or mini loaf pans; bake for 18–22 minutes.
    ❓ 10 FAQs
    1. Can I use frozen bananas?
    Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
    2. Do I need to use unsalted butter?
    Either works — if using salted, reduce added salt slightly.
    3. Can I reduce the sugar?
    Yes, you can cut it to 1/2 cup for a less sweet version.
    4. Can I use oil instead of butter?
    Yes, use an equal amount of vegetable or coconut oil.
    5. What’s the best way to know it’s done?
    Insert a toothpick — if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's ready.
    6. Can I make it gluten-free?
    Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
    7. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Yes! Use dairy-free butter or neutral oil.
    8. What bananas work best?
    Overripe bananas with black spots give the best flavor and moisture.
    9. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes! Use two loaf pans and bake in the same oven, rotating halfway through.
    10. How do I avoid dry banana bread?
    Don’t overmix, and avoid overbaking. Check early at the 50-minute mark.
    🏁 Conclusion
    This Easy Moist Banana Bread is your no-fuss, always-delicious answer to ripe bananas. With just one bowl and a few pantry ingredients, it’s a beginner-friendly favorite that delivers every time — moist, sweet, and full of comforting banana flavor.
    Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven, toasted with butter, or packed in a lunchbox, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation.