This Easy Moist Banana Bread is your new favorite treat! Made with ripe bananas, this bread is soft, sweet, and oh-so-tasty. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack!
I always make a loaf when I have overripe bananas lying around. And let’s be real, I might have a slice (or two) for dessert too! 🍌🥳
Baking this banana bread is super simple. Just mix the ingredients, pour the batter into a pan, and let the oven do its magic. Enjoy it warm, and maybe spread some butter on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your banana bread. You can swap it for whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives great flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, feel free to use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Alternatively, try honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener, just adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Bananas: The riper, the better! If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a good substitute. Use about 1 cup for three bananas.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This ingredient keeps the bread moist. Plain Greek yogurt or any non-dairy yogurt can be used instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Banana Bread?
Getting the right texture comes down to a few key steps. First, make sure your bananas are very ripe—brown spots mean they’re sweeter and softer. When mixing, be cautious not to overmix the batter. Stir just until you don’t see dry flour anymore. This helps keep your bread light and fluffy!
- Start by creaming butter and sugar until light.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients carefully to avoid tough bread.
Lastly, remember to let the banana bread cool completely before slicing. This resting period helps set the texture and flavor beautifully!
Easy Moist Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt (for moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 60-70 minutes to bake. Once you let it cool, you can enjoy your delicious banana bread in under 2 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or a whisk until it’s light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air and gives your bread a nice texture!
4. Add Eggs and Bananas:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, add in the mashed bananas and the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Stir in Sour Cream:
Now it’s time to add the sour cream (or yogurt). This ingredient adds great moisture and keeps the bread soft. Stir it in gently.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your banana mixture. Mix just until there’s no more dry flour visible. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps – don’t overmix!
7. Pour into Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It should look nice and even.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently take it out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep the crust from getting too soft.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
After it has cooled, slice the banana bread and enjoy! It tastes wonderful with butter or your favorite spread. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
This Easy Moist Banana Bread is not only simple to make but also super delicious. You won’t be able to resist a slice (or two)!
Can I Use Brown Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, the riper the bananas, the better! Brown or spotty bananas are sweeter and will make your banana bread more flavorful. Just make sure they’re soft enough to mash easily.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon to your mix for better texture. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in about ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. It will add an extra crunch or sweetness—delicious!
