Classic Moist Banana Bread

This classic banana bread is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together effortlessly.

Origin of Banana Bread

Banana bread became popular in the United States during the early 1930s, a time when home bakers were looking for creative ways to avoid wasting overripe bananas. With the rise of baking soda and baking powder in household kitchens, quick breads like banana bread became an easy and reliable alternative to yeast-based recipes. Over time, it evolved into a beloved comfort food, with families adding their own touches such as nuts, spices, or chocolate chips, making banana bread a timeless classic found in kitchens around the world.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¾ cup sugar (white or brown)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Optional add-ins:

• Chopped walnuts
• Chocolate chips
• Cinnamon (½ teaspoon)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
• Add melted butter and mix well.
• Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
• Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir.
• Gently fold in the flour until just combined (do not overmix).
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely.

Slice, serve, and enjoy! This banana bread stores well at room temperature for several days and freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.

Classic Moist Banana Bread

This classic banana bread is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together effortlessly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time55 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings:8 slices

Calories:280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 3/4 cup sugar white or brown
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• chopped walnuts optional add-in
• chocolate chips optional add-in
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional add-in

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the melted butter and mix well.
4. Stir in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to incorporate.
6. Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in any optional add-ins, if using.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For extra moisture, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. Banana bread keeps well at room temperature for several days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.