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Irresistibly moist banana bread sliced on a wooden cutting board

Moist Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe results in a delightful loaf that's perfect for breakfast or a snack, featuring a rich, buttery flavor with the sweetness of ripe bananas.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Forms the structure of the bread.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda Helps the loaf rise properly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warm depth of flavor.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened Creates a rich and tender texture.
  • 3/4 cup Brown sugar Keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature) Provides structure and stability.
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream Adds moisture and softness.
  • 1 and 1/2 cups Mashed ripe bananas The key flavor ingredient.
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract Enhances overall sweetness.
Optional Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup Chopped walnuts/pecans or chocolate chips Adds texture and extra flavor.

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and place the rack in the lower third.
Prepare the Loaf Pan
  1. Grease your loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Cream Butter and Sugar
  1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and creamy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Remaining Wet Ingredients
  1. Blend in yogurt, vanilla, and mashed bananas until smooth and combined.
Combine Mixtures
  1. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until combined.
Bake the Bread
  1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60–65 minutes, loosely covering with foil halfway through.
Check for Doneness
  1. Insert a toothpick in the center to check doneness; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling Time
  1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about one hour, then remove carefully, slice, and enjoy.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture. Consider using a kitchen scale for accurate measurements. Overmixing can result in dense bread.