The Best Banana Bread Recipe – Moist, Flavorful & Fail-Proof

ByYummy Recipes

Introduction

This is the banana bread recipe you’ve been searching for! Moist, flavorful, and made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe that turns overripe bananas into the ultimate comfort treat. Whether you eat it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this loaf will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unbelievably moist texture
  • Perfect balance of sweetness
  • Quick, one-bowl method
  • Versatile and customizable
  • Crowd-pleasing and freezer-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3–4 ripe bananas, mashed (1½ cups)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup neutral oil
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Optional: Chocolate chips, nuts, or coarse sugar for topping

Preparation (Step-by-Step Instructions)

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Mash bananas and mix with butter, oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
  3. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix gently.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
  5. Pour batter into pan, top with coarse sugar or extra chips.
  6. Bake 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pan 15 mins, then on a rack before slicing.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 GF flour
  • Vegan: Use flax eggs and non-dairy yogurt
  • Healthier: Replace some sugar with honey
  • Tropical: Add coconut and pineapple
  • Double Chocolate: Use cocoa powder and dark chocolate

How to Serve

  • Warm with butter
  • Toasted with cream cheese
  • With coffee or tea
  • As dessert with ice cream
  • Wrapped for gifting or packed lunches

Recipe Tips

  • Use overripe bananas for best flavor
  • Don’t overmix batter
  • Tent with foil if browning too quickly
  • Let it cool before slicing

Storage: 4 days at room temp, 1 week in fridge, 3 months frozen

Cooking Notes

  • Metal pans brown more evenly
  • Batter should be thick but scoopable
  • Makes great muffins (bake 18–22 mins)

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

  • Calories: 260
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 190mg

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thaw and drain before using.
  • Can I make this into muffins? Bake 18–22 minutes in muffin tins.
  • Why does banana bread sink? May be underbaked or overmixed. Use fresh leavening agents.
  • Can I reduce sugar? Yes, reduce by ¼–½ cup if desired.
  • Best banana stage? Deep brown or black skin bananas are ideal.

Conclusion

This truly is The Best Banana Bread Recipe—moist, delicious, easy, and endlessly versatile. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a household favorite. Bake it once, and it’ll be the only banana bread you’ll ever want to make again!

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