Moist Flavorful Banana Bread

As seen in: Sweet Endings with a Tangy Twist

This banana bread combines overripe bananas with a simple batter of flour, melted butter, and brown sugar for maximum moisture and flavor. The addition of cinnamon enhances the banana's natural sweetness, while optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips add delightful texture.

Ready in just over an hour, this versatile quick bread requires minimal effort—simply mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining, then bake until golden. The result is a tender, flavorful loaf that's perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.

Ranah
Written By Emily Chen
Last updated on Tue, 20 May 2025 14:22:25 GMT
A loaf of banana bread with a slice missing. Save Pin
A loaf of banana bread with a slice missing. | tangyrecipe.com

This banana bread recipe transforms those spotty, overripe bananas into a deliciously moist treat that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. The deep banana flavor shines through in every bite, making this simple loaf a breakfast favorite and afternoon pick-me-up in our house.

I first created this recipe when my family moved into our new home, and it quickly became our Sunday morning tradition. Now, whenever bananas start browning on the counter, my kids get excited knowing banana bread is in their future.

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour provides the perfect structure while keeping the bread tender
  • Overripe bananas with dark spots deliver natural sweetness and intense banana flavor
  • Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses undertone
  • Melted butter creates richness and that melt in your mouth texture
  • Eggs bind everything together while adding structure
  • Vanilla extract enhances the banana flavor without overpowering
  • Baking soda ensures proper rise and light texture
  • Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
  • Cinnamon adds warm spice notes that complement bananas beautifully
  • Optional nuts or chocolate chips for texture and flavor contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease your loaf pan, getting into all corners to ensure easy removal later. A light dusting of flour after greasing provides extra insurance against sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed. This prevents any pockets of baking soda that could create bitter spots in your finished bread.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash bananas until smooth but still with tiny chunks for texture. Mix in melted butter and brown sugar until well combined, then add eggs and vanilla, beating until the mixture appears slightly fluffy and well incorporated.
Create The Batter
Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients gradually, folding with a spatula using gentle motions. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour is visible. Overmixing develops gluten and creates a tough bread.
Add Mix Ins
If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in with just two or three strokes. This keeps them distributed evenly while maintaining a tender crumb.
Bake To Perfection
Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool Properly
Allow bread to rest in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. This sets the structure while making it easier to remove. Then transfer to a wire rack to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
A slice of banana bread on a wooden cutting board. Save Pin
A slice of banana bread on a wooden cutting board. | tangyrecipe.com

The cinnamon is truly my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always added it to her banana bread, insisting it was what made people ask for seconds. Years later when I bake this with my daughter, we always pause to inhale that warm, spicy scent before adding it to the batter, continuing a little family tradition.

Make It Your Own

This banana bread can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Try adding a quarter cup of shredded coconut for tropical flavor, or swap half the all purpose flour for whole wheat to add nutty depth and extra nutrition. For a dairy free version, replace butter with equal amounts of coconut oil, which adds a subtle complementary flavor to the bananas.

Storage Tips

To maintain maximum moisture, cool your banana bread completely before storing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the banana notes deepen. For longer storage, slice the cooled bread, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, and freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that freshly baked taste.

Troubleshooting

If your bread consistently sinks in the middle, your bananas might be too large or too moist. Try using exactly one cup of mashed banana for perfect results every time. For bread that browns too quickly on top but remains undercooked inside, tent with aluminum foil halfway through baking time. And remember that the toothpick test is crucial banana bread can look done on the outside while still being gummy in the center.

A slice of banana bread on a wooden table. Save Pin
A slice of banana bread on a wooden table. | tangyrecipe.com

Common Questions

→ How can I tell when my bananas are ripe enough for banana bread?

The best bananas for banana bread are overripe with dark spots or mostly black peels. They should be soft and sweet-smelling. The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes! Banana bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

Sinking usually happens when the bread is underbaked, the oven temperature is too high, or there's too much leavening agent. Make sure to test doneness with a toothpick and check that your baking soda is fresh.

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with something else?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour (though the bread will be denser), a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or try a combination of flours. Just be aware that texture and rise may vary with substitutions.

→ What other mix-ins work well in banana bread?

Beyond nuts and chocolate chips, try dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, shredded coconut, peanut butter chips, toffee bits, or even a swirl of Nutella. Fresh blueberries or diced apples can also work beautifully.

→ How do I store banana bread to keep it fresh?

Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Warming a slice briefly before serving refreshes the texture.

Easy Banana Bread

A tender loaf packed with ripe banana flavor, brown sugar, and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes Required
Cooking Time
50 Minutes Required
Overall Time
65 Minutes Required
Written By: Emily Chen

Dish Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Origin: American

Recipe Output: 10 Number of Servings (1 standard loaf)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

01 3 overripe bananas, mashed
02 2 cups all-purpose flour
03 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 cup butter, melted
06 3/4 cup brown sugar
07 2 eggs
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

→ Optional Add-ins

10 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Thoroughly grease a standard loaf pan.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 03

In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth and well integrated.

Step 04

Beat eggs and vanilla extract into the banana mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 05

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Step 06

If using, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 07

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 08

Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Handy Tips

  1. For best results, use very ripe bananas with dark spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.

Essential Tools

  • Standard loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergen Details

Always review ingredient labels for possible allergens and consult with a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs
  • May contain nuts depending on optional ingredients

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

Please use this info as a general guide and not as professional dietary advice.
  • Calories per Serving: 210
  • Fat Content: 8 g
  • Carbohydrate Content: 32 g
  • Protein Content: 4 g