Why Make This Recipe

Moist Banana Bread is a classic treat that everyone loves. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. This recipe is simple and easy to make, and the result is a deliciously soft and moist bread that you can enjoy any time of the day. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate for extra flavor!

How to Make Moist Banana Bread

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt or full-fat sour cream
1 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas (about 3–4 ripe bananas)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: 3/4 cup (90g) chopped pecans or walnuts, or 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the yogurt, vanilla, and mashed bananas until fully combined.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined. If you like, fold in the nuts or chocolate chips at this point.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60–65 minutes. Cover loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 1 hour, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Moist Banana Bread

Moist Banana Bread is best served fresh. You can enjoy it warm, plain, or spread with a bit of butter. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For added flair, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

How to Store Moist Banana Bread

To store your Moist Banana Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Moist Banana Bread

Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the bread tender.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
Experiment with different add-ins like dried fruits or coconut for a unique twist.

Variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can make chocolate chip banana bread by adding 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter. Alternatively, you can create a nutty version by mixing in 3/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing and incorporating them into the recipe.

2. What can I do if my banana bread is too dense?

If your banana bread turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Be sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. Just ensure that the blend has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum, if it’s not included in the mix.