Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe
(One-Bowl, No-Mixer Required)
KEY INFO:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Vegetarian (vegan options provided)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork for mashing
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Cooling rack
- Alternative: Hand mixer (optional for easier mixing)
INGREDIENTS:
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1½ cups/340g mashed)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted (or ½ cup vegetable oil)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts (optional)
METHOD:
- Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Grease loaf pan or line with parchment.
- In large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth (small lumps are good).
- Stir in melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and both sugars until well combined.
- Add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Fold gently just until no dry spots remain.
- Fold in nuts if using.
- Pour into prepared pan, smooth top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove to cooling rack.
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Use VERY ripe bananas (brown spots all over)
- Don’t overmix – stop when flour just disappears
- Check doneness at 45 minutes as ovens vary
- Cover with foil if top browns too quickly
STORAGE:
- Room temperature: 3 days wrapped
- Refrigerated: 1 week
- Freezer: 3 months (wrap well)
VARIATIONS:
- Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup chocolate chips
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and oil instead of butter
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 GF flour blend
- Healthier: Reduce sugar to ½ cup total, use whole wheat flour
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Using underripe bananas
- Overmixing the batter
- Opening oven door too early
- Cutting while hot
Get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing – this banana bread is foolproof and absolutely delicious!
