Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread is the ultimate combination of moist and fluffy. Thanks to a blend of ripe bananas, sour cream, and a touch of oats, it stays incredibly tender without being dense. The added toasted pecans or walnuts give it the perfect crunch, and the hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm, cozy flavor. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, it’s sure to be a hit in your home.

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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. If using nuts, toast them first. Place 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans on a dry baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes at 350°F, stirring every 2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar, and cream them together for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat well until fully incorporated.

5. In a small bowl, mash 2 and 1/2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup) with a fork or potato masher. Add the mashed banana to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.

6. Add the flour to the bowl but do not stir. In a food processor, blend 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats into a powder and add to the bowl.

7. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir this mixture into the flour. Optionally, add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves for extra flavor.

8. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

9. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup sour cream and, if using, the toasted nuts.

10. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

11. Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (moist crumbs are okay). The bread should be golden brown on top and pulling away from the edges of the pan.

12. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 55 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Vegan Banana Bread: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

• Dairy-Free: Replace the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut yogurt.

• Banana Nut Bread: If you love nuts, consider adding both walnuts and pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Make sure the bread is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the banana bread. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a zip-lock bag. Thaw at room temperature or toast individual slices in the toaster to warm them up and reduce moisture.

FAQs

1. How ripe should the bananas be for banana bread?

For the best banana bread, use bananas that are overripe, with brown spots or even completely brown. The more ripe the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

2. Can I skip the sour cream in this recipe?

You can, but sour cream helps make the bread extra moist and tender. If you skip it, the bread may be slightly less moist, though still delicious.

3. Can I use a different kind of flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option, but it may alter the texture slightly. Be sure to check the consistency of the batter and adjust if needed.

4. How can I make the banana bread sweeter?

You can increase the sugar by 1/4 cup, or add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a bit of honey for extra sweetness.

5. Can I freeze the banana bread batter?

It’s best to bake the batter first and freeze the fully baked bread. Freezing batter may result in an uneven rise once baked.

6. What can I do if my banana bread is too dense?

If the bread is too dense, it could be because you used too much mashed banana or overmixed the batter. Make sure to measure your banana properly and mix the batter gently.

7. How do I know when banana bread is done?

The best way to check if banana bread is done is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean, with only a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick has wet batter, the bread needs more time in the oven.

8. How long does banana bread last?

Banana bread typically lasts 2 days at room temperature. If you store it in the refrigerator, it can last up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

9. Can I make this banana bread without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to the banana bread?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips make a great addition to this banana bread. Simply fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts.

Conclusion

This Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s simple to make, with a wonderful balance of sweetness, moisture, and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting treat, this banana bread is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it today, and enjoy a warm slice with butter or as-is!