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Easy Moist Banana Bread – Soft, Sweet, and Perfect Every Time | Foolproof Classic Recipe

There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of banana bread baking in the oven. This Easy Moist Banana Bread recipe brings that cozy, homemade goodness to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It's soft, sweet, and slices like a dream—ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Using just a handful of pantry staples and a few overripe bananas, you can whip up a loaf that’s rich, moist, and just the right amount of sweet. With a hint of vanilla, the natural banana flavor shines, and the texture is incredibly tender without being too dense. Perfect for using up spotty bananas and a go-to for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed (about 1¼ cups)
Fresh Products:
  • 1 large egg
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dairy Products:
  • ⅓ cup butter melted (unsalted or salted)

Equipment

  • Before we dive into the recipe, here’s what you’ll need to make this banana bread:
  • 1 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
  • Whisk or electric hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork or potato masher – for bananas
  • Toothpick or cake tester (for doneness check)
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
  1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or masher until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
  1. Add the melted butter to the bananas and stir to combine.
  2. Add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix well until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Make the Batter
  1. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.
  2. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bread soft and moist.
Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  2. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  3. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Check around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
  1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Store wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Keeps well for up to 5 days when sealed in an airtight container.
Freezer:
Wrap slices individually or freeze the whole loaf for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
Reheating Tips:
Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked softness.
🥄 Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these flavorful twists:
Nutty Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips before baking.
Cinnamon Swirl: Add a swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon halfway through filling the loaf pan.
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Banana Muffins: Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
Low Sugar: Reduce sugar to ½ cup or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey (adjust dry ingredients slightly).
Tropical Vibes: Fold in ¼ cup shredded coconut and a handful of pineapple bits.
Banana Bread Cake: Add a light glaze made from powdered sugar and vanilla for a dessert-like version.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What kind of bananas should I use?
Use very ripe bananas—deep yellow with lots of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
2. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw them completely, drain excess liquid, and mash as usual.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Reduce to ½ cup for a less sweet loaf or use a sugar alternative.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just divide the batter into two loaf pans and bake as directed, watching the bake time.
5. Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if you overmix the batter, underbake, or if your baking soda is expired.
6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check the batter texture—it should be thick but pourable.
7. Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Both work! Unsalted gives more control over salt levels, but if you use salted, simply omit the added salt.
8. What’s the best way to mash bananas?
A fork works great. For extra smoothness, use a potato masher or hand mixer.
9. Can I add frosting?
You can! A light vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting turns it into a dessert-style banana bread.
10. How do I keep the bread moist?
Store it wrapped tightly, avoid overbaking, and make sure your bananas are ripe and mashed well.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Moist Banana Bread is the kind of classic recipe that belongs in every kitchen. Whether you're rescuing overripe bananas or simply craving something sweet and wholesome, this loaf delivers on every level—flavor, texture, and simplicity.
With its soft crumb, subtle sweetness, and incredible aroma, it’s guaranteed to make your home smell amazing and your day a little better. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable and always turns out perfect.
Make it today, and enjoy a slice of comfort anytime you need it.