Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Banana bread is a timeless classic that holds a special place in many hearts (and kitchens). Its sweet, banana-rich flavor combined with a moist, tender crumb makes it the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. Today, I’m sharing a tried-and-true recipe that guarantees a moist, delicious loaf every time.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious banana bread, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ to 2 cups)
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The creamed butter and sugar mixture should be pale in color and have a light, airy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter may look a little curdled at this point, but that’s okay.

Step 5: Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream

Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until fully combined. The sour cream adds extra moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the flavor and texture of the bread.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bread tough.

Step 7: Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips (Optional)

Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips, if using. These add-ins bring extra flavor and texture to the bread but are entirely optional.

Step 8: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for the Perfect Moist Banana Bread

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
2. Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense, tough loaf.
3. Add Sour Cream or Yogurt: This secret ingredient keeps the bread extra moist and tender.
4. Test for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your bread at the 60-minute mark. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

This moist banana bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and delivers consistently delicious results. Whether enjoyed plain or with a smear of butter, this banana bread is the ultimate comfort food.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy baking!