why make this recipe
Banana bread is a beloved treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It is incredibly simple to make and uses ingredients you likely already have at home. The beauty of this recipe, "Easy Moist Banana Bread," lies in its moist texture and rich flavor. Ripe bananas make the bread sweet and soft, captivating the taste buds of everyone who takes a bite. Besides its deliciousness, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
This recipe is forgiving and adaptable, making it a great choice for novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. Once you master this banana bread, you can try all sorts of variations, from adding nuts or chocolate chips to experimenting with spices. The process is straightforward, and even your children can join in, making it a fun family activity.
Most importantly, the warm smell of banana bread baking fills your home with comfort and nostalgia. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, enjoying it solo, or giving it as a thoughtful gift, this easy moist banana bread will bring joy to any occasion.
how to make Easy Moist Banana Bread
The process for making Easy Moist Banana Bread is quite simple and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. With just a few steps, you can have a warm loaf ready to serve. Here’s how you can make it:
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
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: First, set the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for your batter.
Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they are smooth. You want a creamy consistency with no large chunks.
Mix in Butter: Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir until well combined. This helps to create a beautiful moist texture.
Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla Extract: Next, add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until everything is evenly blended.
Incorporate Baking Soda and Salt: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Stir gently to integrate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Fold in the Flour: Add the flour to the bowl and gently stir just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix; it’s fine if there are a few lumps.
Transfer the Batter: Pour the newly mixed batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
Bake: Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Cool Down: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
how to serve Easy Moist Banana Bread
Once your Easy Moist Banana Bread is baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy it! You can serve it in various ways to suit your taste.
Sliced and Plain: The simplest way to enjoy your banana bread is to slice it and serve it plain. It’s already delicious on its own.
With Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm slice. The butter will melt into the bread, adding a rich flavor.
With Spreads: Try it with cream cheese, peanut butter, or Nutella for a tasty twist.
Toast It: Lightly toast slices for a warm crunchy exterior, which can enhance the flavors.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: This banana bread goes wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or snack.
how to store Easy Moist Banana Bread
Proper storage will keep your banana bread fresh longer. Here are some tips on how to store it:
At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should remain fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: If you won’t eat it all right away, you can store the banana bread in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out and it can last up to a week.
Freezing: For longer storage, slice the banana bread and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place the slices in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, it can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it at room temperature or toast slices directly from the freezer.
tips to make Easy Moist Banana Bread
Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are brown or have lots of black spots.
Melt the Butter: Ensure your butter is just melted and not too hot to avoid cooking the egg when you mix it in.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the bread tough. Mix just until the flour is incorporated for a lighter texture.
Customize with Mix-ins: You can add walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Check Doneness Early: Ovens can vary widely in temperature. Start testing for doneness at the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
variation
If you want to switch things up with your Easy Moist Banana Bread, consider these variations:
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for some extra sweetness.
Nutty Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
Cinnamon Banana Bread: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Coconut Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut for a tropical twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply thaw the bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute melted coconut oil, applesauce, or yogurt for butter, but keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly.
How can I tell when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, your banana bread is done. If it has wet batter on it, give it more time to bake.
Can I make mini loaves instead of one big loaf?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time, typically around 25-30 minutes for mini loaves, and check for doneness with a toothpick.
How can I add flavor without changing the texture?
Add a teaspoon of almond or orange extract for a new flavor profile without changing the bread’s moist texture.
Print
Easy Moist Banana Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously moist banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, utilizing ripe bananas for a rich 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl.
- Mix in the melted butter.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt; mix gently.
- Fold in the flour until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- 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.
Notes
Try adding walnuts or chocolate chips for different flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread
