Banana bread is the ultimate comfort bake—moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re looking to use up ripe bananas or craving a delicious treat, this super moist banana bread recipe will hit the spot every time. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3–4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add Bananas and Sour Cream
Fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until fully combined. This step ensures the banana bread stays moist.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
Step 6: Pour Batter into the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. For extra flair, sprinkle a handful of nuts or chocolate chips on top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cooking Notes
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can result in dense banana bread. Stir until just combined.
- Storage: Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Variations
Classic Banana Nut Bread
Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
Chocolate Banana Bread
Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top after baking.
Gluten-Free Banana Bread
Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Healthier Banana Bread
Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Keto/Low-Carb Version
To make a low-carb banana bread:
- Use almond flour or coconut flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
- Replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Use only one banana for flavor and supplement with banana extract for aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw frozen bananas, drain excess liquid, and mash them before adding to the batter.
2. Can I make banana bread muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
3. Why is my banana bread dry?
Dry banana bread is often caused by overbaking or not using enough ripe bananas. Ensure your bananas are well-mashed and moist.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake two loaves or use a larger pan. Adjust baking time accordingly.
5. How can I make my banana bread more flavorful?
Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice enhances the flavor. Toasted nuts and a touch of rum or vanilla extract also elevate the taste.
This super moist banana bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, homemade treats. With its rich banana flavor, tender crumb, and endless customization options, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee, as a snack, or as dessert, banana bread never fails to satisfy. Bake a loaf today and experience the magic of this timeless classic!
