This Moist Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food—soft, sweet, and packed with banana flavor. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this recipe is foolproof and delivers perfect results every time. With its tender crumb, golden crust, and optional add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts, it’s a classic treat that never goes out of style. Let’s bake!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large ripe bananas , mashed (about 1 cup)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for extra warmth)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be lumpy but free of large flour pockets.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon.
Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
