Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Add-Ins

• ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¾ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup raisins

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.

A few small lumps are perfectly fine and add texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add to the mashed bananas:

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Step 5: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Do not overmix.

If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Spread evenly with a spatula.

For a bakery-style look, place a sliced banana down the center of the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until:

• The top is golden brown
• A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 15 minutes.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Optional Cinnamon Brown Sugar Topping

Mix together:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Sprinkle over the batter before baking for a sweet, crunchy crust.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Add:

• ¾ cup chocolate chips

For a rich, dessert-like loaf.

Walnut Banana Bread

Add:

• ¾ cup chopped walnuts

For crunch and nutty flavor.

Coconut Banana Bread

Mix in:

• ½ cup shredded coconut

For a tropical twist.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Swirl:

• ¼ cup peanut butter

Into the batter before baking.

Expert Tips

Use Very Ripe Bananas

The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing can make banana bread dense instead of tender.

Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for best results.

Add Sour Cream

This ingredient helps create an extra-moist loaf.

Let It Cool Completely

The texture improves as the bread cools.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Moist Banana Bread with:

• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Peanut butter
• Honey
• Coffee
• Tea
• Hot chocolate

Perfect for:

• Breakfast
• Brunch
• Lunchboxes
• Afternoon snacks
• Holiday baking
• Bake sales

Storage

Room Temperature

Store tightly wrapped for up to 4 days.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 1 week.

Freezer

Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 190mg

Soft, sweet, and incredibly tender, this Moist Banana Bread is everything a homemade quick bread should be. Packed with ripe banana flavor and a perfectly moist crumb, it’s a classic recipe you’ll return to again and again.