Banana bread is a timeless favorite that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist, tender crumb. This classic moist banana bread recipe is not just easy to make but also perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry items, making it easy to whip up at any time.
2. Moist and Flavorful: The secret to this banana bread’s incredible texture lies in the ripe bananas and the addition of yogurt or sour cream.
3. Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Yogurt or sour cream
• Optional: nuts or chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

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: Prepare the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash 3-4 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The bananas should be very ripe, with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to the mashed bananas. Mix in one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of yogurt or sour cream for added moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients

If you’d like, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this stage for an extra touch of flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Storage: Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
• Experiment: Try adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, or mix in dried fruits for extra texture.

Conclusion

This classic moist banana bread recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a beloved treat that’s both simple and versatile. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next baking endeavor!

Ingredients

• 3-4 ripe bananas
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup yogurt or sour cream
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Enjoy baking this delicious banana bread!