This Best Ever Banana Bread is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor! With simple pantry ingredients, this recipe creates a perfectly tender loaf with a golden-brown crust.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or a sweet treat, this foolproof banana bread will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it plain, with butter, or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence!
Ingredients for Banana Bread
the Banana Bread:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
the Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for a crunchy top)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Spatula
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
4. Make the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined (don’t overmix!).
- Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
5. Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar or extra walnuts for a crunchy top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or a drizzle of peanut butter!
Expert Tips for the Best Banana Bread
Use overripe bananas – The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
Don’t overmix – Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the loaf soft.
Check for doneness early – Every oven varies, so start testing at 50 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using under-ripe bananas – They won’t be sweet enough for the best flavor.
Overbaking – This can dry out the loaf, so check with a toothpick at 50 minutes.
Skipping the sour cream – It adds moisture and richness to the bread.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve warm with butter and honey.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store at room temperature for 3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
Freezing:
- Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat a slice for 15-20 seconds to soften.
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it healthier – Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour and reduce sugar.
- Add mix-ins – Stir in chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or raisins.
- Go nut-free – Skip the nuts or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
What to Serve with Banana Bread
- Greek yogurt and berries for a balanced breakfast
- A side of scrambled eggs for protein
- Warm spiced chai or iced coffee for the perfect pairing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this banana bread without eggs?
Yes! Substitute ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
Why is my banana bread dense and not fluffy?
Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten, making it dense. Stir just until combined!
Can I turn this into muffins?
Yes! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
Conclusion
This Best Ever Banana Bread is soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion! Whether you serve it fresh, toasted, or with your favorite toppings, this easy, no-fail banana bread will quickly become a household favorite.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious baking recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 280 kcal per slice (based on 10 servings).
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Serves: 10
Best Ever Banana Bread – Moist, Soft & Easy!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description
This Banana Bread is moist, soft, and packed with banana flavor! An easy one-bowl recipe perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
For the Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for a crunchy top)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
4. Make the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined (don’t overmix!).
- Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
5. Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar or extra walnuts for a crunchy top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or a drizzle of peanut butter!
Notes
✔ Use overripe bananas – The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
✔ Don’t overmix – Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the loaf soft.
✔ Check for doneness early – Every oven varies, so start testing at 50 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: BREAD
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 280