Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe is the perfect way to use ripe bananas. It's simple to make and delivers a delicious, moist loaf every time.

Created by

Keira Dalton

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:19:10.402Z

There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home. This recipe is a family favorite, inherited from my grandmother, who always knew how to turn overripe bananas into a delicious treat. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this banana bread is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist texture that stays fresh for days
Perfectly sweet with a hint of vanilla
Quick to prepare, making it an ideal snack or breakfast option

      

The Benefits of Using Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is key to achieving the perfect banana bread. The natural sugars in overripe bananas enhance the sweetness of the bread, eliminating the need for excessive added sugar. The soft texture of ripe bananas also ensures a moist loaf that is easy to mix and incorporate into the batter. Plus, this is a fantastic way to reduce food waste by utilizing those bananas that might otherwise go uneaten.

Another advantage of ripe bananas is their rich flavor profile. As bananas ripen, they develop deeper, more complex flavors, which translate beautifully into baked goods. This not only improves the taste but also adds an appealing aroma to your kitchen while the bread is baking. The delightful scent wafting through your home is just one of the many reasons to make this recipe.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

To achieve the best results, make sure to mash your bananas thoroughly. A smooth banana mixture will blend better with the other ingredients, resulting in a uniform batter. If you prefer a bit of texture, leave some small chunks of banana, but ensure they’re not too large to disrupt the bread's consistency.

Another important tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough loaf instead of a light and fluffy one. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Lastly, consider adding in your favorite mix-ins, like chopped nuts or chocolate chips, for an extra layer of flavor. Just fold them in gently after mixing the batter to avoid overworking it. These additions can take your banana bread from delicious to irresistible!

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

Make sure your bananas are really ripe for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix Butter and Bananas

In a mixing bowl, mix the melted butter with the mashed bananas until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

Add the baking soda and salt to the mixture. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla. Finally, mix in the flour until just incorporated.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your banana bread plain or with a spread of butter!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread is completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moist texture for several days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week.

Banana bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or topped with a dollop of cream cheese or nut butter for added richness. It also makes a delightful addition to breakfast or brunch tables, paired with fresh fruits and a hot cup of coffee.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to customize this classic banana bread recipe to suit your taste. For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. This not only increases the fiber content but also adds a nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.

You can also experiment with spices to elevate the flavor profile. A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your banana bread. For a tropical touch, consider adding shredded coconut or chopped pineapple for a delightful twist.

For those who enjoy a chocolatey indulgence, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a rich chocolate banana bread. The options are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing and using them in the recipe.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.

→ How should I store the banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking.