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The Ultimate Foolproof Moist Banana Bread Recipe (Classic & Easy)

Two thick slices of moist banana bread recipe with melted chocolate chips on a white plate.

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You need a reliable banana bread recipe that guarantees a moist, tender loaf every time. This classic, easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and overripe bananas to create the best homemade comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 very ripe, mashed medium bananas (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air for a softer texture.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  5. Mix in the sour cream or yogurt until smooth.
  6. Add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients and mix until they are incorporated. Do not overmix at this stage.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand only until the flour streaks just disappear. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread tough.
  8. If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
  9. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  10. Bake for 50 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
  11. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black for the best moisture and flavor in your banana bread recipe.
  • For an extra moist texture, do not skip the sour cream or yogurt; it adds necessary fat and acidity.
  • This recipe is perfect for beginners; avoid using an electric mixer once the flour is added to prevent a dense loaf.

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