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The Best Banana Bread – Super Moist, Flavor-Packed, and Foolproof Every Time

Let’s be honest: there are banana bread recipes… and then there’s the one. The one you turn to every time you have spotty bananas on the counter. The one that’s always moist, flavorful, and gets rave reviews whether it’s breakfast, snack, or dessert. This is that banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, pantry staples, and a few flavor-boosting secrets, this loaf is soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and full of real banana flavor. You can customize it with chocolate chips, walnuts, or leave it perfectly plain—either way, it bakes up like a dream. Ready to meet your new go-to banana bread recipe? Grab those bananas and let’s get baking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍌 Produce
  • 3 large ripe bananas mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
🥚 Wet Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧂 Dry Ingredients
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon optional but adds warmth
🍫 Optional Add-ins
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
  • Whisk or electric hand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Cooling rack
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray

Method
 

Step 1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9x5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2. Mash the Bananas
  1. In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork or masher until mostly smooth.
Step 3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. To the mashed bananas, add:
  2. ½ cup melted butter
  3. 2 eggs
  4. ⅓ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  6. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4. Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  2. 1¾ cups flour
  3. ¾ cup brown sugar
  4. 1 tsp baking soda
  5. ½ tsp salt
  6. ½ tsp cinnamon
Step 5. Combine Wet and Dry
  1. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
  2. Stir with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
  3. Gently fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or both if using.
Step 6. Bake
  1. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
  2. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
  3. Cover with foil after 40 minutes if the top is browning too quickly.
Step 7. Cool & Serve
  1. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Fridge: Keeps well for up to a week (but may dry slightly).
Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the full loaf and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Toast slices or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
🥄 Variations
Chocolate Lover’s Banana Bread: Fold in ½ cup mini or dark chocolate chips.
Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
Coconut Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut.
Banana Muffins: Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
Healthier Twist: Use half whole wheat flour and swap butter for coconut oil.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before mashing.
2. Why is my banana bread dry?
Overbaking or too much flour. Always spoon and level flour (don’t pack it).
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute with xanthan gum.
4. Can I use white sugar instead of brown?
Yes, but brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor.
5. How ripe should bananas be?
The darker the better! Black-spotted bananas yield sweeter, more flavorful bread.
6. What’s the best way to mash bananas?
A fork works fine, but a potato masher or hand mixer creates a smoother texture.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Make two loaves or use a larger 9x13 baking dish and adjust bake time.
8. Is banana bread better the next day?
Actually, yes! Flavors deepen overnight.
9. Can I add spices?
Absolutely—cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom all add cozy warmth.
10. Can I bake it in a bundt pan?
Yes! Just adjust the baking time to 45–55 minutes and test for doneness.
🏁 Conclusion
This Banana Bread is the one you’ve been looking for: incredibly moist, full of real banana flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you're adding chocolate chips, nuts, or enjoying it plain with a warm mug of coffee, it never disappoints.
It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a lazy Sunday or bake quickly when guests are coming over. No special tools, no mixer required—just good ingredients, a few ripe bananas, and the promise of a perfect loaf every time.