Anastasia Rice January 31, 2026

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Easy Moist Banana Bread

Name: Easy Moist Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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The kitchen fills with the warm, sweet scent of ripe bananas and butter, a cozy aroma that says comfort in the simplest, most satisfying way. This Easy Moist Banana Bread is exactly the loaf you reach for when you want something homemade without fuss, whether for a slow weekend breakfast, a late afternoon snack, or a simple gift for a neighbor. If you are collecting comforting recipes for a gathering, consider pairing it with easy Thanksgiving side dishes to build a warm, welcoming spread.

Why You Will Love This Easy Moist Banana Bread

This banana bread is forgiving and friendly, made from pantry staples and ripe bananas that often sit waiting to be used. The crumb stays soft and tender, with just enough sweetness to highlight the natural banana flavor, and a golden crust that gives a little contrast to each slice. It is the kind of loaf that feels homemade, even when you want something quick and reliable.

Benefits at a glance

Ready with simple ingredients and minimal effort
Keeps a moist, tender texture for days
Flexible for add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips

What You’ll Need for Easy Moist Banana Bread

Understanding why each ingredient matters helps you swap confidently if needed. Mashed bananas bring moisture and natural sweetness, melted butter gives richness and a soft crumb, and flour and baking soda provide structure and lift. You can swap part of the butter for applesauce if you prefer a lighter loaf, and using very ripe bananas will give the best banana flavor.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Inline notes: For bonus texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips, or use 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup whole wheat flour for a nuttier note.

How to Cook Easy Moist Banana Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F, 175°C. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure the paper comes up the sides for easy removal. You should feel the oven warming your kitchen, and the pan should be evenly coated so the loaf releases cleanly.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture. You will smell the bright banana scent as the fruit breaks down.
Stir in the melted butter until well combined, the mixture turning glossy and slightly thinner, signaling a rich batter base.
Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is evenly blended and the batter looks smooth and unified. The sugar will slightly dissolve, mellowing the sweetness as the egg adds body.
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir gently, distributing the leavening so the loaf will rise evenly.
Add the flour and stir just until the flour disappears, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a denser crumb. The batter should be thick but pourable, with visible streaks of banana.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top so it bakes up with a nice dome. If you like a textured top, sprinkle a few extra banana slices or nuts.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. You will notice the kitchen filling with a toasty, banana-sugar aroma and the top will firm to a slight crackle.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, this brief rest helps the loaf set so it does not fall apart when removed.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, which keeps the texture light and avoids a gummy center. Once cool, the crumb should feel tender and spring back gently when pressed.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 50 to 60 minutes, Total ~ 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, Servings ~ 10 to 12, Kcal ~ 190 per slice (estimate).

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can mash the bananas and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day ahead, which makes morning baking effortless. Combine the dry ingredients and keep them in a sealed bag or container for up to two days, so you only need to mix wet and dry when you are ready. The batter can be mixed and kept in the fridge for up to 12 hours if you need to pause, though for the lightest crumb bake it soon after mixing. For gifting, wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic and refrigerate until delivery.

Storing and Reheating Your Banana Bread

Store the cooled loaf at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to one week, though chill time may firm the texture slightly, bringing out more of the banana flavor. For longer storage, freeze whole or in slices wrapped well, for up to three months. To reheat, warm individual slices in a toaster oven or under low oven heat for a few minutes until just warm, or microwave a slice for 10 to 20 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel to prevent drying. A fresh loaf will have a soft, elastic crumb and a lightly crisp top, a good freshness cue.

Perfect Pairings for Easy Moist Banana Bread

A smear of room temperature butter and a drizzle of honey
Plain Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon and toasted nuts
A warm latte or single origin coffee to complement the banana notes
Sliced fruit, like berries or pear, for a fresh contrast
Cream cheese spread with a touch of lemon zest for brightness

In a savory-snack moment, try this with cheese; for ideas on pairing bread with cheeses, see our guide to bread and cheese pairings which suggests complementary textures and flavors.

Variations and Swaps to Customize Your Banana Bread

Walnut Banana Bread, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts folded into the batter, they toast during baking and add a pleasant crunch.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, which melt slightly into pockets of richness.
Whole Wheat Swap, use 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier loaf, and expect a slightly denser crumb.
Cinnamon Banana Bread, stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warm spice notes that pair beautifully with coffee.
Honey or Maple Sweetened, replace half the sugar with 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, reduce the other liquid slightly if needed, and enjoy a more complex sweetness.
Banana Blueberry, fold in 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, they add bursts of juiciness and a pretty visual contrast.
Vegan-Style Swap, replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant based butter to make this loaf vegan friendly, though the texture will be slightly different.
Mini Loaves, divide batter into muffin tins or small loaf pans for portable portions, reduce baking time and watch closely so they do not overbake.

All variations avoid alcohol and pork products, and keep the loaf approachable for most preferences.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use very ripe bananas, the darker the spots, the more banana flavor and natural sweetness they carry.
Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling with a knife to avoid overpacking, which can dry the loaf.
Do not overmix after adding flour, stir until just combined for a tender crumb.
Check for doneness with a toothpick after 50 minutes, and tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Allow the loaf to cool at least 10 minutes in the pan, and transfer to a rack to finish cooling for the cleanest slices.
If using add ins like nuts, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding in, this helps them distribute evenly and avoids sinking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Moist Banana Bread

• How ripe should the bananas be, for best results?
Bananas should be very ripe, with plenty of brown spots or even mostly brown skins. They mash easily and have the sweetest, most concentrated flavor which makes the bread moist and rich.

• Can I reduce the sugar without affecting texture too much?
You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet loaf, but sugar contributes to moisture and browning, so expect a slightly paler crust and subtly drier crumb. Using very ripe bananas helps offset some of the sweetness lost.

• Can I make this recipe into muffins or mini loaves?
Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins or smaller loaf pans, filling each about two thirds full. Muffins usually bake in 15 to 22 minutes, and mini loaves about 25 to 35 minutes, so watch closely and test with a toothpick.

• What is the best way to add nuts or chocolate chips?
Fold nuts or chocolate chips in at the end, just until evenly distributed, to avoid overmixing. For nuts, a quick toss in a little flour helps them stay suspended instead of sinking to the bottom.

• Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
Sinking often means the center was underbaked or the oven temperature was too low, causing the middle to rise then collapse. Avoid opening the oven early, and test with a toothpick toward the end of the baking window.

• Can I freeze slices and how do I thaw them?
Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature, or reheat frozen slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a warm, fresh feel.

• How do I make the loaf more moist without adding fat?
Use very ripe bananas and do not overbake. You can also replace half the butter with applesauce for moisture with less fat, though the crumb will be slightly different.

• Is there an eggless version that still holds together?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg made from 1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water, let sit until gelled, then use in the recipe. The texture will be a bit denser but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Moist Banana Bread is a forgiving, comforting loaf that turns simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Its tender crumb and warm banana aroma make it ideal for slow mornings, afternoon breaks, or sharing with friends. Give it a try with your favorite mix in, and enjoy the quiet pleasure of a slice, fresh from the oven.

Easy Moist Banana Bread

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A forgiving and comforting loaf made from ripe bananas and pantry staples, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla; mix until blended.
Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir gently.
Add flour and stir until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.