Easy Moist Banana Bread
A comforting and moist banana bread that's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, filled with sweet caramelized banana flavor and a soft crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour You can swap half for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) Adds warmth to the flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled For a rich, moist crumb. Substitute with equal amount of coconut oil for dairy-free.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Or use 1/2 cup brown sugar plus 1/4 cup maple syrup for added depth.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature Bind and enrich the batter.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Brightens the banana flavor.
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups) Overripeness equals sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional) For texture and indulgence.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until glossy.
- Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined, creating a thick and fragrant mixture.
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, avoiding overmixing. Optionally fold in nuts or chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Optionally add banana slices or sprinkle raw sugar on top.
Baking
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra moisture, stir in 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt. For a healthy option, replace half of the butter with mashed avocado.