Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Got some ripe bananas? Perfect! This moist banana bread recipe is about to make your kitchen smell so good.

It’s soft, sweet, and full of banana flavor. Every slice is tender and cozy. No fancy stuff—just pure homemade goodness.

Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a little sweet treat. Easy to mix up. Hard to stop eating!

Grab those bananas and a mixing bowl. Let’s bake up the coziest banana bread ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Moist: Thanks to ripe bananas and a touch of butter, every bite melts in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Time: Breakfast, snack, or dessert — banana bread fits every craving.
• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to make it your own.
• Freezer-Friendly: This bread stays delicious even after freezing, making it great for make-ahead treats.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes one standard 9×5-inch loaf, perfect for about 10 slices. Want more? Double the batch and bake two loaves side-by-side.

Difficulty:
This banana bread is easy enough for beginners and still rewarding for seasoned bakers.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients for Moist Banana Bread

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this soft and flavorful banana bread (full measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Ripe Bananas: About 3 medium/large bananas, mashed (the riper, the better — lots of brown spots are perfect).
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (8 tablespoons) at room temperature for rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup to sweeten the bread just right.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten to add structure and richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups, giving the bread a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon for a good lift and soft texture.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon to round out the banana flavor with a little warmth.
• Walnuts: 1 cup, chopped (optional, but adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor).
• Raisins: ½ cup for extra bursts of sweetness (optional but recommended).

Variations for Moist Banana Bread

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips for a chocolate-banana twist.
• Make it Healthier: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat without losing moisture.
• Go Nut-Free: Simply skip the walnuts and raisins for a smooth, classic banana bread.
• Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom adds cozy, warm flavors.
• Top It Off: Sprinkle raw sugar or a few extra chopped nuts on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.

How to Make Moist Banana Bread Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth with just a few small lumps.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another medium bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use a whisk or a hand mixer for this step.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until fully combined.

5. Mix in the Bananas

Pour the mashed bananas into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just blended.

6. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

7. Combine Everything

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until no more flour streaks remain — but don’t overmix. A few lumps are okay.

8. Add Extras

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins, if using.

9. Pour and Smooth

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

10. Bake

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

11. Cool

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Moist Banana Bread

This banana bread is delicious all on its own, but you can easily dress it up:

• Warm Slice with Butter: Spread a little butter over a warm slice for extra richness.
• With Cream Cheese: A thick layer of plain or honey-sweetened cream cheese takes it to another level.
• Toasted: Lightly toast a slice for a slightly crisp exterior and soft inside.
• Banana Bread French Toast: Turn leftover slices into a decadent breakfast by dipping them in an egg mixture and pan-frying.

Decoration Ideas

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top after baking for a simple, pretty finish.
• Drizzle with Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla to create a quick glaze to drizzle over the top.
• Banana Slices on Top: Before baking, place a few banana slices on top of the batter for a rustic look.

Storing Moist Banana Bread

• At Room Temperature: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days on the counter.
• In the Refrigerator: Store banana bread in the fridge for up to 6 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
• Freezing:
  • To freeze the whole loaf: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
  • To freeze slices: Wrap each slice individually.
  • Banana bread stays fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Overripe Bananas: Bananas with lots of brown spots are the sweetest and add the best flavor and moisture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can make your bread dry.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking at 50 minutes. Overbaking will dry it out.
• Let it Cool Completely: Banana bread firms up as it cools, making it easier to slice cleanly.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Slice (1/10 loaf)
Calories	270
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbohydrate	36g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	18g
Protein	4g

Note: Nutrition information is estimated based on standard ingredients and serving sizes.

Moist Banana Bread FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw them first, drain any excess liquid, and mash as usual.

Q: Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the batter was overmixed or if it wasn’t fully baked. Always check doneness with a toothpick.

Q: Can I make this banana bread dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.

Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center — if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready.

Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Try chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Moist Banana Bread is the kind of classic recipe that never lets you down. Whether you’re baking it for a lazy Sunday breakfast, meal prepping for the week, or just using up those overripe bananas on your counter, this recipe delivers soft, rich, tender results every time. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins, and don’t forget — it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy a slice of homemade comfort anytime you need it.

Happy Baking! 🍌💛