I found the secret to truly tender baking years ago. This specific banana bread recipe creates an unbelievably rich crumb. It achieves that perfect, deeply satisfying texture every single time. We are talking about the pinnacle of Moist Banana Bread here, folks.
Truly ripe bananas make all the difference, naturally. I often bake a loaf for Sunday brunch gatherings. Moreover, leftovers disappear quickly, even with careful hiding efforts. This easy banana bread remains a fixture in my weekly rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe simplifies the baking process wonderfully. It needs just basic pantry staples to shine brightly. Furthermore, the resulting flavor is pure, comforting heaven. You feel instantly cozy when you smell it baking. It is truly the best banana bread recipe.
- Speed Factor: It comes together quickly.
- Texture Guarantee: Always incredibly tender and moist.
- Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults devour every last crumb.
Moist Banana Bread Ingredients
The magic happens when simple ingredients meet overripe fruit just right. These elements transform into something far greater than their parts. That little bit of sour cream truly elevates this bake.
Here is where we gather our treasures for this heavenly loaf.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides necessary richness and structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the bananas.
- Large Eggs: Binds everything together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Deepens the sweet, comforting fragrance.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the tender backbone of the loaf.
- Baking Soda: Gives the bread its perfect lift.
- Salt: Sharpens all the sweet flavors present.
- Very Ripe Bananas: Essential for intense flavor and moisture.
- Sour Cream/Yogurt: Our secret weapon for luxurious tenderness.
Substitutions and Tips
If you skip the sour cream, your bread will be slightly less decadent. You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream successfully too. Fold in walnuts or mini chocolate chips for added textural fun. Remember, the darker the banana peel, the better the final result.
How to Make Moist Banana Bread

Step 1
Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line or grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan well. Proper pan preparation prevents frustrating sticking later on.
Step 2
Cream soft butter and sugar together in a big bowl now. Use an electric mixer for this transformation step. You want the mix lightened and wonderfully fluffy.
Step 3
Next, beat in your eggs one by one slowly. Stir in the vanilla extract after the eggs incorporate. These wet elements need to be smooth.
Step 4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the dry items together. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly now. Whisking distributes the leavener evenly.
Step 5
Mash those very ripe bananas in another small dish. Mix in the necessary sour cream or yogurt smoothly. This combination ensures maximum moisture.
Step 6
Add the flour mixture gradually to the wet ingredients slowly. Mix on low speed until just combined, please stop mixing. Overmixing creates tough, chewy bread.
Step 7
Gently fold in the banana and sour cream blend now. Fold very carefully until no streaks remain visible. We are aiming for tender crumb here.
Step 8
If using add-ins, gently fold them in last. Pour the entire batter into your prepared loaf pan carefully. Level the top surface evenly for baking.
Step 9
Bake for about 55 to 70 minutes total time. Test for doneness with a wooden skewer inserted deep. If the top browns too fast, tent it loosely with foil.
Step 10
Let the bread cool in the pan for ten minutes only. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to fully cool down. Slicing too early can cause breakage.
How to Store Moist Banana Bread
Keeping this delicious bread fresh is easy, thankfully. Store cooled slices tightly wrapped at room temperature. It stays lovely for three days this way. For longer storage, wrap squares tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them inside an airtight container securely. Freezing is great for planning ahead for busy weeks.
Tips for Success
- Always use bananas that are almost completely black.
- Do not substitute baking powder for baking soda here.
- Room temperature eggs mix in cleaner for you.
- Use good quality vanilla extract for better taste.
- Do not peek at the oven during the first thirty minutes.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Electric mixer for creaming the butter.
- Two or three mixing bowls for grouping ingredients.
- A 9×5 inch loaf pan for baking shape.
- Wire rack for thorough and safe cooling time.

Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a generous smear of salted butter.
- Pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee.
- Offer alongside vanilla bean ice cream sometimes.
- A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar looks lovely.
Moist Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-70 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Baking/Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic recipe for incredibly moist banana bread, perfect for using up those overripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3–4 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 to 1 1/4 cups)
- 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another small bowl, combine the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the banana and sour cream mixture until just incorporated.
- If using, gently fold in walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Using very ripe (almost black) bananas yields the best flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour; this prevents the bread from becoming tough.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt is key to the exceptional moisture of this recipe.









