This easy banana bread is super soft and moist, making it a perfect treat for any time of the day. Just mix ripe bananas, flour, and a few simple ingredients, and you’re good to go!
You won’t believe how good your kitchen will smell while it bakes—you might even want to do a happy dance! 🕺 I love slicing it warm with a little butter. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas that are yellow with brown spots—they’re the sweetest and mash easily. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content. If you’re out of butter, applesauce or vegetable oil can be great alternatives, though the texture might vary a bit.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best here for sweetness. For a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or brown sugar for a slight caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, stevia can also work, but check the packaging for equivalent measurement.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together. If you need an egg-free option, consider using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, set aside for 5 minutes) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup).
Why is Mixing Technique Important?
Mixing is crucial to achieving that moist texture in your banana bread. Over-mixing can lead to a tough end result, while under-mixing may leave dry clumps of flour. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After adding the flour, use a gentle folding motion to combine. Stop mixing as soon as there are no dry flour spots.
- It’s okay if the batter has a few lumps from the bananas—it adds character to your bread!
This technique ensures your banana bread is beautifully soft. Enjoy your baking and happy cooking!
Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 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 delicious banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 60-65 minutes to bake. Once it’s done, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a cozy afternoon baking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure even baking. While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can use butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix Bananas and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe mashed bananas and mix them with the melted butter. Use a fork to mash the bananas well if you haven’t done so already. The more mashed they are, the better the flavor will spread throughout the bread!
3. Add Sweetness:
Next, add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract into the banana mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Now sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir gently to incorporate. This step helps the baking soda distribute evenly, which is key for having a good rise and fluffy texture.
5. Add the Flour:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the banana mixture. Gently mix it in until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are completely fine. This helps keep your bread nice and moist!
6. Pour and Spread:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so it bakes properly.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven, and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This waiting time is tough, but totally worth it!
9. Enjoy!
Your banana bread is now ready to be enjoyed! Slice it up and serve with a pat of butter, or enjoy it plain. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
FAQ for Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas, just thaw them in the fridge or microwave before mashing. The key is to drain any excess liquid after thawing to prevent your batter from becoming too wet.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re out of butter, you can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil in an equal amount for a similar texture. For a dairy-free version, just choose a plant-based butter or oil!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips is a fantastic idea. Just fold in about 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins after incorporating the flour. Enjoy customizing your banana bread!
