This Easy Moist Banana Bread is perfect for beginners! With ripe bananas, simple ingredients, and no fancy techniques, it’s a warm hug in loaf form. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
I love how the smell of baking banana bread fills my kitchen. It’s hard not to sneak a slice before it cools! Pair it with butter, and you’ve got a tasty treat. 🍌🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key to flavor and moisture in this bread. If you only have less ripe bananas, try baking them for 15 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to speed up the ripening process.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you want a lighter alternative, use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. They can give a different flavor but still keep the bread moist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is commonly used. However, you can replace half of it with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Just reduce the liquid slightly to balance it out.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Mix-ins: Walnuts add crunch, but chocolate chips make it extra indulgent. Feel free to skip or substitute with dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins.
How Do You Prevent Dry Banana Bread?
To keep your banana bread moist, avoid overmixing the batter. Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing, as too much stirring can create a dense loaf. Also, ensure your bananas are very ripe because they hold more moisture!
- Check the bananas; the more spots, the sweeter and softer they’ll be.
- Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter.
- Keep the bread in an airtight container after it cools to maintain moisture.
Easy Moist Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy banana bread recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 60-65 minutes to bake. After that, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, and you’ll have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your bread. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make it easy to remove later.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them up with a fork until they’re mostly smooth. Little lumps are okay! The riper the bananas, the better the flavor.
3. Combine with Butter:
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir well to combine. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it could cook the egg in the next step!
4. Mix in Sugar and Egg:
Now, add the granulated sugar, the beaten egg, and the vanilla extract to the banana and butter mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent for the best rise.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined, but be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
7. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now. They add a delicious texture and flavor!
8. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top if needed and place it into the preheated oven.
9. Check for Doneness:
Bake for 60-65 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
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. Slice it up, spread on a little butter, and enjoy your warm banana bread with a cup of tea!
FAQ for Easy Moist Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They may be a bit mushier, which is perfect for banana bread!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the texture may be denser. You might want to use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf.
How Do I Know When the Banana Bread is Done Baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!