This easy moist banana bread is a treat everyone loves! Just mash some ripe bananas, mix with wet and dry ingredients, and bake until golden. It’s super simple and so delicious!
I can’t resist a warm slice with butter melting on top. You know it’s okay to eat it for breakfast, right? If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), it’s perfect for snacks too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Choose bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness. If you’re short on bananas, you can use applesauce (about 1/2 cup) as a substitute, though it’ll slightly change the flavor.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness to the bread. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or applesauce. I’ve also tried it with olive oil, which works well but gives a hint of flavor.
Sugar: The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar, but feel free to lower it to 1/2 cup if you want the bread to be less sweet. You can also substitute with honey or maple syrup, just remember to reduce the liquid a little.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but whole wheat flour provides extra fiber and a nutty flavor. If you want to make it gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What’s the Best Way to Mash Bananas?
Mashing bananas is simple, but to get the best results, here’s what to do:
- Use ripe bananas; they’ll mash more easily. A fork works well, but you can also use a potato masher or even an electric mixer for a smoother texture.
- Make sure to mash until there are minimal lumps for a smoother bread. It’ll help integrate with the other ingredients better!
- For added flavor, you can mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg with the bananas if you like a spiced taste.
Enjoy this easy banana bread recipe that’s perfect for beginners! It’s great warm or toasted, and it fills the kitchen with a lovely scent.
Easy Moist Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar (you can reduce it to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
How Much Time Will You Need?
This banana bread recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 60-65 minutes of baking time. Make sure to let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan afterward, so you can slice it easily. Total time is around 1 hour 30 minutes!
Follow These Simple Steps:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bread from sticking later.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they are smooth. Make sure there are no big lumps so the bread mixes well!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until combined. Then mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the mixture and stir it in. Now, gradually add the flour. Mix just until everything is incorporated—be careful not to overmix!
5. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious banana bread!
Now you have a moist, flavorful banana bread that’s easy to make! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime!
FAQ for Easy Moist Banana Bread
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Look for bananas that are mostly brown or even black for the best flavor.
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Yes! You can substitute melted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option or use applesauce to reduce fat. Additionally, whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour for added fiber.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I Add Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts (like walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after mixing the flour.
