Welcome to my kitchen! If you are searching for that perfect, sky-high banana bread recipe that stays incredibly moist for days, you have officially found it. This recipe is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to become your new family favorite.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
Shop Key Ingredients
Before we get baking, stock up on these non-perishable essentials that make this recipe shine. Using high-quality ingredients really makes a difference! (These are affiliate links, which support this blog at no cost to you):
- Premium Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract: For that deep, complex flavor.
- Aluminum-Free Baking Soda: Essential for a clean rise.
- Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Light Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and hints of caramel.
- Saigon Cinnamon: The most aromatic spice for baking.
Full Recipe Ingredients
First, let's gather everything we need. Getting your mise en place ready is the secret to stress-free baking.
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel the ripe bananas. Using a potato masher or just a sturdy fork, mash them into a pulp. The mixture can be slightly chunky; it doesn't need to be completely smooth.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and the sugar has slightly dissolved. Add the eggs, room temperature, and the vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. (It is crucial to whisk these so you don't get a clump of baking soda!) Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together just until combined and no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops gluten and results in a tough bread. If you are adding walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in now.
5. Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay; wet batter is not).
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Look at that beautiful crust! Your kitchen must smell amazing right now. Slice it up, slather on some butter, and enjoy every moist bite. Happy baking!
