Best Banana Bread Recipe (Moist, Sweet & Perfect Every Time!)

Few things fill a kitchen with warmth quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread. That sweet, buttery aroma with a hint of vanilla is pure comfort — a timeless favorite that feels just as right for breakfast as it does for dessert.

In my house, banana bread is more than a way to use up overripe bananas — it’s a tradition that never lasts long once it’s out of the oven. Served warm with a generous spread of Vanilla Honey Butter or Cinnamon Honey Butter, it’s simple and irresistible. Pair a slice with a cozy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte in the morning, or enjoy it later with a spoonful of Homemade Apple Butter for an extra-special treat. However you serve it, this easy banana bread recipe is a classic that always delivers comfort in every bite.

Recipe Card

Servings: 10 slices Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 55 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutrition Estimate (Per Slice)

Calories: 280–320 Protein: 4–5g Fat: 10–12g Carbohydrates: 42–48g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 20–24g

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ¼ cups)

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but delicious)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moistness)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined — don’t overmix!

4. Add Mix-Ins (Optional): Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or any add-ins you like.

5. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas — the more speckled and soft, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

• Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps your banana bread tender and soft.

• For extra moistness, add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.

• Sprinkle a few chocolate chips or sliced bananas on top before baking for a pretty finish.

• Wrap leftovers tightly — banana bread stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day!

Final Thoughts

This classic banana bread recipe is the kind of simple joy that never goes out of style — perfectly moist, full of banana flavor, and incredibly easy to make. It’s comfort food at its best, whether you’re baking it for family breakfasts, sharing it with friends, or freezing a loaf for later.

FAQ

Q: How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe — the bananas should be heavily speckled or almost black. The darker they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Q: Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes — thaw them fully and drain excess liquid before adding. They work perfectly and add extra moisture.

Q: How do I keep banana bread moist?

Don’t overmix the batter, use ripe bananas, and avoid overbaking. A splash of oil or sour cream also helps keep it tender.

Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely — walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips are popular add-ins.

Q: Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes — freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly for best freshness.