This easy banana bread is soft, moist, and full of yummy banana flavor! It comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.
We all have those brown bananas lying around, right? This recipe gives them a second chance at being delicious! I love having a warm slice with my morning coffee—it’s like a hug in food form!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The key to a flavorful banana bread lies in using ripe bananas. They should be mostly brown with soft spots for the best sweetness. No ripe bananas? You can use thawed frozen bananas instead; just drain any excess liquid!
Butter: I prefer melted butter for a richer taste, but you can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Just use the same amount to keep it consistent.
Sugar: While the recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, reducing it to 1/2 cup still gives you great results. You can also use brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor or a sugar substitute for a healthier option!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix can also work, though the texture may vary a bit.
How Can You Ensure Your Banana Bread Stays Moist?
The secret to moist banana bread is not overmixing the batter. Here’s how:
- After adding flour, mix gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
- Keep an eye on your oven! Each oven is different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick into the center.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.
Following these simple techniques will help keep your banana bread soft and tender. Enjoy your baking!
Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe You’ll Love
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (can reduce to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and a baking time of 60-65 minutes. Add a little time for cooling, and your total time commitment will be about 1 hour and 30 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a delicious loaf to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when you put the banana bread in. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until they’re smooth. This will give your bread that yummy banana flavor and moisture.
3. Mix in the Butter:
Next, pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir until it’s well mixed. The butter adds richness to the bread.
4. Combine Other Ingredients:
Now, mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined. It should look creamy and delicious!
5. Add Baking Soda and Salt:
Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over your banana mixture, then gently stir it in to combine. The baking soda will help your bread rise!
6. Fold in the Flour:
Finally, add the all-purpose flour and mix just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
7. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready!
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps keep the bread moist.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful banana bread! It’s perfect on its own or spread with a bit of butter or cream cheese. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Moist Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great for banana bread. Just make sure to thaw them first, and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll be super easy to mash and just as delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you want a dairy-free option, you can substitute the melted butter with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even applesauce for a lighter version. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw slices at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Batter?
Definitely! Feel free to add in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for an extra special touch. Just fold them in gently after mixing the flour to avoid overmixing the batter.
