Why You’ll Love Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Incredibly moist and flavorful
Made with simple, everyday ingredients
Perfect for using up overripe bananas
One-bowl recipe with easy cleanup
Customizable with nuts or chocolate chips
Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert
Freezes well for later enjoyment
No fancy equipment needed
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Delicious both warm and cold

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and milk until well incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
Bake the Banana Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: Approx. 250 kcal

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use almond or oat milk.
Banana Muffins: Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
No Nuts: Simply omit the nuts for a smooth, classic loaf.
Add Coconut: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded coconut for added texture.
Zucchini Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup grated zucchini for extra moisture.
Maple Twist: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, deep sweetness.
Swirled: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl in the center of the loaf before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge.

FAQs

How do I know when banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If it’s wet, bake a bit longer.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them first and drain excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely. Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes.

Why is my banana bread dry?

Overbaking or too much flour can lead to dryness. Be sure to measure flour correctly and don’t overmix the batter.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! Add up to 3/4 cup of chocolate chips for a delicious chocolatey version.

Is it okay to leave banana bread out overnight?

Yes, as long as it’s covered or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though the texture may be slightly denser.

How ripe should bananas be?

Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are best for banana bread—they’re sweeter and more flavorful.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

What kind of nuts work best?

Walnuts and pecans are traditional and complement the banana flavor well, but feel free to use your favorite.

Conclusion

This Moist Banana Bread is a timeless favorite that’s easy to make and loved by all. Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, this classic recipe is sure to satisfy. With its perfect texture, rich flavor, and endless customization options, it’s one you’ll want to bake again and again.