Best Ever Banana Bread – Moist, Soft & Easy!

Posted on March 4, 2025 · By Elisa

sliced banana bread on a cutting board with text overlay that reads the best banana bread

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

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
  3. Stir in mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

4. Make the Batter

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined (don’t overmix!).
  2. Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.

5. Bake the Banana Bread

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  2. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or extra walnuts for a crunchy top.
  3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool & Serve

  1. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
  3. 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
Print
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Best Ever Banana Bread – Moist, Soft & Easy!


  • Author: Elisa
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
  3. Stir in mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

4. Make the Batter

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined (don’t overmix!).
  2. Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.

5. Bake the Banana Bread

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  2. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or extra walnuts for a crunchy top.
  3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool & Serve

  1. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
  3. 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

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