Super Moist Banana Bread Recipe (Perfect Every Time!)

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Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home. This Classic Moist Banana Bread recipe is the perfect solution for those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into a tender, flavorful loaf that will become your go-to recipe for years to come.

If you’ve been searching for the Best Banana Bread recipe that delivers consistent results every single time, your search ends here. This Homemade Banana Bread combines simple pantry ingredients with an easy mixing method to create a super moist, incredibly flavorful loaf that rivals any bakery creation.

Table of Contents

Why This Is the Best Banana Bread Recipe

What makes this Super Moist Banana Bread stand out from countless other recipes? The secret lies in using a generous amount of mashed bananas two full cups to be exact combined with the perfect ratio of butter and sugars. This creates a tender crumb that stays moist for days, making it ideal for meal prep, gift-giving, or simply enjoying throughout the week.

The beauty of this Ripe Banana Recipes favorite is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, add chopped walnuts for extra texture and nutrition, or even fold in chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent. No matter how you customize it, the foundation of this recipe ensures a perfectly baked loaf every time.

When preparing this recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. A quality electric mixer helps cream the butter and sugars to the perfect light and fluffy consistency, which is crucial for achieving that tender texture. You’ll also want reliable mixing bowls for combining your wet and dry ingredients separately before bringing them together.

Understanding the Key Ingredients

The Star: Overripe Bananas

The foundation of any great Banana Cake Recipe is using bananas at the perfect stage of ripeness. For this recipe, you want bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even completely brown. These Banana Recipes Overripe staples contain more natural sugars and have a softer texture that mashes easily, contributing to both flavor and moisture.

Butter and Sugar Combination

This recipe uses a combination of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. The butter should be softened to room temperature for proper creaming, which you can easily achieve with a good electric mixer. The brown sugar adds extra moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the banana flavor beautifully.

Flour and Leavening Agents

Using all-purpose flour that’s been properly measured using the spoon-and-level method ensures you don’t accidentally add too much, which would result in a dense loaf. The combination of baking powder and baking soda provides the perfect lift while maintaining that characteristic dense-yet-tender crumb that defines the Best Banana Bread.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Banana Bread

EquipmentPurposeLink
9×5 Loaf PanProper baking vesselStandard kitchen item
Electric MixerCreaming butter and sugarShop Now
Mixing BowlsCombining ingredientsShop Now
Measuring Cups & SpoonsAccurate measurementsShop Now
OvenEven bakingShop Now
Kitchen UtensilsMixing and scrapingShop Now

Detailed Ingredients List

Dry Ingredients

IngredientAmountNotes
All-purpose flour2 cups (250g)Spooned and leveled
Baking powder1 teaspoonFor lift
Baking soda1/2 teaspoonFor tenderness
Ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoonAdds warmth
Salt1/2 teaspoonBalances sweetness

Wet Ingredients

IngredientAmountNotes
Unsalted butter1/2 cup (115g)Softened
Granulated sugar1/2 cup (100g)White sugar
Light brown sugar1/4 cup (50g)Packed
Large eggs2Room temperature
Pure vanilla extract2 teaspoonsEnhances flavor
Mashed banana2 cups (440g)Very ripe
Chopped walnuts1/2 cup (80g)Optional

Step-by-Step Instructions for Super Moist Banana Bread

Preparation Phase

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures your oven reaches the proper temperature before your batter is ready.
  2. Prepare your 9×5 loaf pan by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. The parchment paper makes removing the finished loaf much easier.
  3. Set out your butter and eggs to come to room temperature if you haven’t already. Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily and create a better texture.

Mixing the Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
  2. Using your electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture. This step is crucial for creating air pockets that result in a lighter loaf.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. Use your kitchen utensils to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. Add the mashed banana to your wet mixture and mix until fully combined. The batter might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry this is completely normal.
  5. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as this can lead to a tough, dense loaf. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
  6. If using walnuts, gently fold them into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon. This ensures even distribution without overworking the batter.

Baking Process

  1. Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. The batter will be thick and may need some encouragement to settle into all corners of the pan.
  2. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The exact timing depends on your specific oven, so start checking around the 55-minute mark.
  3. The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
  4. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 20 minutes. This resting period allows the bread to set properly and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
  5. After 20 minutes, carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Banana Bread

Pro Tips for the Moistest Banana Bread

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Don’t be afraid to use bananas that look past their prime they’re perfect for this Healthy Banana Bread recipe.

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which creates a tough, chewy texture instead of that tender crumb we’re after.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature ensures they emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and more even texture.

Proper Measuring: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour with your measuring cups and spoons set. Scooping directly from the bag can pack too much flour into your measuring cup, resulting in a dry loaf.

Test for Doneness: Every oven bakes differently, so rely on visual cues and the toothpick test rather than strictly following baking times.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Super Moist Banana Bread stays incredibly moist when stored properly. Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

To serve, slice the bread with a sharp chef’s knife for clean, even slices. Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or even grilled for a special treat. This Homemade Banana Bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Customization Options

While this classic recipe is delicious as-is, feel free to experiment with additions:

  • Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist
  • Different Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts
  • Spices: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth
  • Streusel Topping: Create a cinnamon-sugar crumble to sprinkle on top before baking
  • Zucchini Addition: Transform this into Zucchini Banana Bread by replacing 1/2 cup of mashed banana with shredded zucchini

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my banana bread dry?
A: Dry banana bread typically results from using too much flour or overbaking. Make sure to measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method and check for doneness at the minimum baking time.

Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas often become even softer and easier to mash.

Q: My bread sank in the middle. What happened?
A: This usually means the bread was underbaked or the oven door was opened too early. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and avoid opening the door during the first 45 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I make this recipe into muffins?
A: Yes! Divide the batter among muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Q: How do I know when my bananas are ripe enough?
A: Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or completely brown. The peel should feel soft when gently squeezed.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: If your bananas are very ripe and sweet, you can reduce the granulated sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. However, sugar also contributes to moisture and texture, so don’t reduce it too much.

Q: Why do I need both baking powder and baking soda?
A: The combination provides the perfect amount of lift while the baking soda specifically reacts with the acidity in the bananas to create tenderness.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a mixer?
A: Yes! While an electric mixer makes the job easier, you can cream the butter and sugars by hand with a wooden spoon or use a hand whisk. It will just require more elbow grease and time.

Nutritional Benefits

While this banana bread is certainly a treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Bananas provide potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. If you add walnuts, you’re incorporating healthy omega-3 fatty acids and additional protein. For a healthier version, you can experiment with substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar slightly if using very ripe bananas.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this Best Banana Bread recipe comes down to the perfect balance of ingredients and techniques. The combination of baking powder and baking soda provides optimal lift without making the bread too cake-like. The generous amount of mashed banana ensures incredible moisture, while the creaming method for the butter and sugars creates a tender crumb with a light texture.

Using both granulated and brown sugar adds complexity to the sweetness, with the brown sugar contributing extra moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the banana perfectly. The small amount of cinnamon enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the star ingredient.

This Classic Moist Banana Bread recipe has stood the test of time because it’s reliable, delicious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook, this recipe delivers consistent, bakery-quality results every single time.

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right kitchen tools makes baking this Banana Cake Recipe even easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what we recommend:

Final Thoughts

This Super Moist Banana Bread recipe is everything you want in a Homemade Banana Bread tender, flavorful, incredibly moist, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect way to use those overripe bananas and create something truly special for your family and friends.

The recipe is forgiving enough for beginners yet produces results that will impress even the most discerning banana bread connoisseur. Once you master this classic version, you’ll have endless opportunities to customize it to your preferences.

Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a comforting dessert, this Classic Moist Banana Bread will quickly become one of your most-requested recipes. The combination of simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and foolproof results makes it a true kitchen staple that you’ll return to again and again.

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Super Moist Banana Bread Recipe (Perfect Every Time!)

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This Classic Moist Banana Bread is perfectly sweet, incredibly moist, and full of banana flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and overripe bananas, this easy recipe creates a tender, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Optional walnuts add a delightful crunch.

  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 60
  • Total Time: 75
  • Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

1/4 cup (50 grams) light brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups (440 grams) mashed banana

1/2 cup (80 grams) chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, line the pan with parchment paper, and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, mix together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 4-5 minutes or until light and fluffy.

4. Mix in the eggs and vanilla, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the mashed banana and mix until fully combined.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix the batter. Gently stir in the chopped walnuts.

6. Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it around into one even layer.

7. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with aluminum foil to prevent excess browning if needed.

8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the loaf pan for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the bread from the loaf pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots or completely brown peels. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Room temperature eggs and butter incorporate more easily. If your eggs are cold, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.

Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined to ensure a tender crumb.

Store cooled banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 4 days, refrigerated for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Walnuts are optional but add wonderful texture and nutrition. You can substitute with pecans or omit nuts entirely.

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