Simple, Delicious, Tested Homemade Recipes

The Best Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins  |  Cook Time: 60 mins  |  Yield: 1 Loaf (10 Slices)  |  Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9 / 5 from 128 votes)
Freshly baked slice of warm moist banana bread loaded with chocolate chips on a wooden board

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making delicious, bakery-quality banana bread at home requires only a single bowl and basic kitchen staples. This classic recipe turns overripe bananas into a soft, tender, flavorful loaf with golden edges and a moist center.

Classic Moist Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups (375g) ripe bananas, mashed (about 3–4 bananas)
  • 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (225g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon (.75g) salt
  • Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined.
  3. Add Egg & Vanilla: Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon just until the batter comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Bake: Fold in optional walnuts or chocolate chips if using. Transfer batter into your prepared loaf tin. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool & Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Baking Tips for Maximum Moisture

  • Use Overripe Bananas: The darker and more speckled the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
  • Do Not Overmix: Mix dry ingredients lightly until just combined. Overmixing produces tough gluten strands, making the bread dense instead of soft.