Best Banana Bread Recipe (Extra Moist And Soft!)

I tried this Easy Banana Bread Recipe and it turned out sensational. Using mashed overripe bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and a handful of walnuts for crunch, the loaf emerges incredibly moist and flavorful. It is a simple, hand-crafted delight that captures the pure essence of home baking.

I’ve been experimenting a lot with banana bread recipes and this one quickly became my favorite. Its secret is using those overripe bananas that most people throw away.

I mix 3 mashed bananas with 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, then I add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to balance everything out. I stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar followed by 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Then I slowly fold in the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour making sure it’s all well blended. And if you’re a fan of a little crunch, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.

This recipe is easy to do by hand without a mixer making it the best banana bread recipe thats extra moist and soft and just perfect for any occasion.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for several reasons:

1. I like that it uses overripe bananas – it’s a smart way to use fruits that might otherwise go to waste and it makes the bread super moist and flavorful.
2. I love how simple it is – you dont need any fancy mixers or equipment to make it, which makes the process feel really laid back and approachable.
3. I enjoy the mix of flavors – the brown sugar and walnuts add a nice sweetness and crunch that makes each bite interesting.
4. I appreciate that it feels like a homegrown recipe – the instructions are pretty straightforward and remind me of how my family used to bake together, even if it isnt perfect every time.

Ingredients

• Overripe Bananas: Give natural sugars, fiber, and moisture for that soft, comforting crumb.
• Unsalted Melted Butter: Adds a rich flavor, tenderness, and helps with browning and texture.
• Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent to ensure the bread rises light and airy.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness while keepin the bread moist and soft.
• Beaten Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and adds a bit of protein for a richer taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma that makes each bite special.
• Chopped Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture, healthy fats, and extra protein for added interest.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 overripe bananas (mashed well)
• 1/3 cup unsalted melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional but recommended)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan really well.

2. In a big bowl, mash the 3 overripe bananas until smooth and a bit chunky if you like it that way.

3. Stir in the 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter until it blends with the bananas.

4. Sprinkle in the teaspoon baking soda along with the 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix it in good.

5. Add the 3/4 cup brown sugar and stir so its well combined with the banana mixture.

6. Mix in the beaten egg and the teaspoon vanilla extract until the batter is a nice consistent mix.

7. Slowly fold in the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, being careful not to overmix because that can make your bread tough.

8. If you’re using them, fold in the 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, which really add some nice crunch.

9. Pour your batter into the greased pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

10. Place it in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Check for doneness by poking a toothpick in the center; if it comes out mostly clean, let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven for preheating to 350°F
2. 9 x 5 inch loaf pan and something to grease it (like a paper towel or brush)
3. One large mixing bowl
4. A fork or potato masher for mashing the bananas
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the butter, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, vanilla, and flour
6. A whisk or sturdy spoon to mix and beat ingredients
7. A spatula to smooth the batter in the pan
8. A toothpick to test for doneness
9. A wire rack to cool the bread after baking
10. Oven mitts to safely handle the hot pan

FAQ

Best Banana Bread Recipe (Extra Moist And Soft!) Substitutions and Variations

• For the unsalted melted butter, you can use an equal amount of coconut oil or vegetable oil if you want a dairy-free version
• If youre out of brown sugar, try using white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses to get that rich taste
• You can swap the large egg for 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce if you need an egg-free alternative
• If walnuts arent your thing, feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds, or just leave them out entirely
• For the vanilla extract, you may use almond extract if you want a slightly different flavor note

Pro Tips

1. Try not to overmix the batter when you add the flour. It might sound silly but overdoing it can make your bread tough and not as nice as it should be.

2. Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them in. It gives extra crunch and a richer flavor, and its pretty simple to do.

3. Make sure your overripe bananas are really mushy – a few lumps are fine if you like a chunky texture. This helps the flavor come through and keeps the bread moist.

4. Keep a close eye on your loaf in the last 10 minutes while it bakes, cause ovens can be a bit off sometimes. Checking early can save you from an overdone top or dry bread.