This easy banana bread is super moist and made with simple ingredients like ripe bananas, flour, and sugar. It’s a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with a lovely smell!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for ones with brown spots. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen bananas—just thaw and mash them before using.
Unsalted Butter: While unsalted gives you control over the saltiness, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just skip the added salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the norm, but brown sugar can add a lovely depth of flavor. You can also try using honey or maple syrup in place of sugar, but adjust the dry ingredients slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread. If you’re gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How Do You Ensure Your Banana Bread Stays Moist?
The key to moist banana bread is not overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Also, using ripe bananas adds natural moisture and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the cooling step in the pan—this helps it finish cooking and keeps it moist.
- If you want more flavor, try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Store any leftovers covered at room temperature or in the fridge 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This banana bread recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 60-65 minutes of baking time. With a little cooling time afterwards, you can have a delicious loaf ready in under 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or oil. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the mashed bananas. Stir them together until mixed well. Then, add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important to ensure even distribution of the baking soda and salt in the batter.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the banana mixture. Gently stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This will help keep your banana bread moist and tender!
5. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the banana 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 and enjoy your warm, moist banana bread!
Enjoy your moist and delicious banana bread made from simple pantry staples! Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack! 🍞🍌
FAQ for Easy Moist Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great. Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing. They may have a slightly softer texture, but they will add moisture and sweetness to your bread.
How Can I Make This Banana Bread Healthier?
If you want a healthier option, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or replace it with honey or maple syrup. Remember, adjusting sugar may change the texture slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Add about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pan.
