Easy Banana Bread Recipe (That’s Incredibly Moist!)

Welcome to the only easy banana bread recipe you’ll ever need. If you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, you’re just a few simple steps away from the most delicious, incredibly moist, and flavorful banana bread you’ve ever tasted. This recipe is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who wants a foolproof method for a classic comfort bake. Forget complicated steps and unnecessary ingredients; this is all about pure, simple, and delicious results.

We’ve tested this recipe countless times to ensure it’s not just easy but also consistently perfect. It fills your home with an irresistible aroma and delivers a tender crumb every single time. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a simple dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Bread Recipe

There are thousands of banana bread recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. Here’s why this will become your go-to recipe:

• Incredibly Simple: We use basic pantry staples and a straightforward process. You don’t need a stand mixer or any fancy equipment—just a couple of bowls and a whisk.
• Unbelievably Moist: The secret is in the ratio of bananas to flour and fat, ensuring a tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
• Packed with Flavor: Using extra-ripe bananas provides a deep, sweet, and robust banana flavor that is simply unmatched.
• Perfectly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for your favorite mix-ins. Think chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or a swirl of cinnamon sugar. We’ll share some fun variations below!

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Banana Bread

The beauty of this easy banana bread recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have most, if not all, of these ingredients in your kitchen right now.

Overripe Bananas: The Secret to Sweetness

The single most important ingredient is your bananas. For the best flavor, they should be heavily speckled with brown or even completely black. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugar, which not only makes them sweeter but also contributes to a moister bread. Aim for about 1 ½ cups of mashed banana, which is typically 3-4 medium-sized bananas.

Simple Pantry Staples

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our bread. Make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Baking Soda: This is our leavening agent, giving the bread its beautiful rise.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: We use melted butter for flavor and a wonderfully tender texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the bananas perfectly. It also contributes to the bread’s moistness.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, holding everything together. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates the warm, sweet flavors of the bread.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need any high-tech gadgets for this recipe, which is part of its charm. Here’s the basic equipment you’ll want to have on hand:

• 9×5 Inch Loaf Pan: This is the standard size for most loaf recipes.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one large bowl for the dry ingredients and one medium bowl for the wet ingredients.
• Whisk and Spatula: A whisk for combining the wet ingredients and a spatula for gently folding everything together.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements, which are key to baking success.

How to Make the Best Banana Bread Step-by-Step

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf. This process is the core of our easy banana bread recipe, designed for clarity and success.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. The overhang acts as handles, making it easy to lift the baked bread out of the pan.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork until they are mostly smooth, but a few small lumps are okay. Whisk in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until it’s *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, dense bread.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, it’s done. If there’s wet batter on it, it needs more time.

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before using the parchment paper handles to transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While waiting for it to cool, why not try another simple recipe like our peanut butter no-bake cookies?

Pro Tips for Incredibly Moist Banana Bread

Want to guarantee your banana bread is the best on the block? Follow these expert tips.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is the golden rule of quick breads. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. A lumpy batter is a good thing!
• Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour is a common culprit for dry bread. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a straight edge instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a more uniform texture.
• Let It Cool: Be patient and let the bread cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the crumb to set properly, making it easier to slice without crumbling.

Fun Variations to Try

This easy banana bread recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Nutty Crunch: Fold in ¾ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a classic banana nut bread. For a deeper flavor, toast the nuts before adding them.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Gently stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. For a truly decadent treat, check out our recipe for brownie cheesecake cups.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the batter with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy crust.
• A Healthier Twist: For a different texture and flavor profile, you might enjoy our banana blondies recipe which offers a fun alternative.

How to Store and Freeze Your Banana Bread

One of the best things about this recipe is that it stays moist for days. Here’s how to store it properly:

• At Room Temperature: Store the completely cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freezing for Later: This bread freezes beautifully! You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it on the counter at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Creation!

We are so excited for you to try this easy banana bread recipe! It’s a true classic that we know you and your loved ones will enjoy. If you make it, we would love to see it! Snap a photo and share it with us on Pinterest. Happy baking!

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Easy Banana Bread Recipe (That’s Incredibly Moist!)

The only easy banana bread recipe you'll ever need! This foolproof recipe uses simple pantry staples to create an incredibly moist, flavorful loaf packed with sweet banana flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Banana Bread

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.75 cup light brown sugar packed
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1.5 cups mashed ripe bananas about 3-4 medium bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• 1 9x5 inch loaf pan
• 2 Mixing Bowls
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Rubber spatula

Instructions

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Whisk in the melted butter, packed brown sugar, room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For the best flavor, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots.
Do not overmix the batter! This is the key to a tender, not tough, banana bread.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.