Ultimate Banana Bread

why make this recipe

Banana bread is a classic favorite for good reason. It’s delicious, easy to make, and a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas. This Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe stands out because it results in a beautifully moist loaf, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The addition of sour cream makes a big difference in texture, while the optional spices add warmth and flavor. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or toasted, this banana bread is sure to please everyone.

how to make Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (9 ounces, about 2 and 1/2 medium bananas)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (blended into a powder)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves (optional)
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. If you’re adding nuts, toast them on a dry baking sheet in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Stir every 2 minutes until they are fragrant. Let them cool.
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the brown and granulated sugar, and cream together for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat well until incorporated.
5. In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until you have about 1 cup. Add this to the butter mixture and stir until well mixed.
6. Add the flour to the bowl but don’t stir yet. In a blender, blend the oats until they form a powder, then add them to the bowl.
7. Stir the baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into the flour in the bowl to avoid clumps.
8. If desired, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.
9. Fold in the sour cream and any toasted nuts if you’re using them.
10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.
11. Allow the bread to cool on a cooling rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, ideally with some butter.

how to serve Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Serve this delicious banana bread plain, or spread some butter or cream cheese on top for extra flavor. It can be enjoyed as breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. A warm slice with a cup of tea or coffee is always a great choice!

how to store Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Store any leftover banana bread covered on the counter for up to 2 days. If you don’t finish it in that time, place it in the fridge to keep it fresh. For longer storage, wrap the entire loaf in foil and place it in a ziplock bag in the freezer.

tips to make Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

• Always use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The more spotted and overripe, the better!
• For added richness, try using unsalted butter.
• If you want a touch of sweetness and crunch, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruit.
• To test for doneness, use the toothpick method: insert a toothpick into the center of the bread, and it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

variation

You can adjust this recipe by using whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also experiment with different spices or add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes! Thawed frozen bananas work great for banana bread. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid.

2. How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Check with a toothpick inserted into the middle of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily double the ingredients to make two loaves. Just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough for the increased volume.

Best Moist Banana Bread

A delicious and easy-to-make banana bread recipe that results in a wonderfully moist loaf, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Print Recipe

Best Moist Banana Bread

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened) Use unsalted butter for added richness.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 and 1/2 medium bananas) Use overripe bananas for best flavor.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) Can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (blended into a powder) Blend oats until they form a powder.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream Contributes to the moist texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) Add warmth and flavor.
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves (optional)
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional) Toast nuts for enhanced flavor.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
• If using nuts, toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, stirring every 2 minutes. Allow to cool.
• In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth, then add brown and granulated sugar, creaming together for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
• Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated.
• In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas until you have about 1 cup, then stir this mixture into the butter mixture until well mixed.
• Add flour to the bowl but do not stir yet. Blend the oats until they form a powder, then add to the bowl.
• Stir the baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into the flour to avoid clumps.
• Add optional spices, then stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Fold in the sour cream and any toasted nuts if using.

Baking

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
• Allow to cool on a cooling rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve banana bread plain, with butter, or cream cheese. Store leftovers covered on the counter for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap in foil and place in a ziplock bag in the freezer.