Moist Banana Bread (classic recipe)

A nice moist Banana Bread is one of the most famous quick bread recipes out there. Overripe bananas are mixed with a handful of pantry ingredients you likely have on hand!

This recipe is easy to make and perfect for adding your favorites from chocolate chips to walnuts.

Classic Banana Bread slices on a board with banana slices on the side

Homemade banana bread is a quick bread recipe and perfect as a snack or dessert.

Bananas for Baking Banana Bread

How Ripe Should Bananas be for Banana Bread? They are sweetest and ripest when they are nicely spotted (with lots of black/brown spots) and are very soft.

If you notice your bananas are soft and don’t have time to make bread, peel them and freeze them. They can stay frozen for months and you will always be ready to bake with.

To Ripen Bananas Quickly

Ready to bake banana bread or banana cake but your bananas are just barely yellow? No problem!

To ripen bananas in the oven:

  1. Preheat to 350°F.
  2. Place bananas on a baking sheet and bake 15 minutes (the skins will turn black).
  3. Cool completely and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Ingredients for Classic Banana Bread in a glass bowl

Ingredients for Classic Banana Bread in a glass bowl

How to Make Banana Bread

  1. Combine dry ingredients together per the recipe below and set aside.
  2. Combine remaining ingredients together, stirring in bananas last.
  3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until combined.
  4. Bake as directed.

Serve fresh out of the oven or heated slightly with butter for an easy and delicious snack!

Raw banana bread and cooked banana bread in a loaf pan

Raw banana bread and cooked banana bread in a loaf pan

Additions/Variations

Banana bread can be made with any of these add-ins.

TIP:  Toss the additions with a bit of flour before adding to the batter. This will help keep them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.

Tips for Moist Quick Breads

  • Use the pan size called for in the recipe.
  • Ensure your baking soda is fresh.
  • Measure flour properly (by spooning the flour into the measuring cup, not scooping it with the measuring cup*)
  • Mix just until moistened.
  • Do not overbake. Ovens can vary, be sure to check your bread at least 10 minutes early.
  • Remove from the pan to cool completely.

* Find more information on measuring flour here.

Cooked classic Banana Bread

Cooked classic Banana Bread

Storing Leftovers

Quick bread is easy to store and will last about 5 days. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap, foil, or in a sealed container at room temperature. It can be warmed for about 10 seconds in the microwave if desired.

To Freeze Banana Bread

Most quick bread can be frozen, just make sure they are sealed well.

Freeze in a zippered bag or an airtight container labeled with the date on it. Frozen banana bread should be good for about eight weeks. Thaw at room temp and serve!

Quick Breads You’ll Love

Classic Banana Bread

A mildly sweet and moist quick bread that everyone loves, this easy recipe for banana bread will be the one you’ll want to reach for!

Follow Spend with Pennies on Pinterest

Follow Spend with Pennies on Pinterest

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) an 8×4 loaf pan.

  • Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.

  • With a hand mixer on medium, combine butter and sugars in a medium bowl until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in mashed bananas.

  • Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

  • Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake.

  • Cool in the pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on a rack.

To Ripen Bananas: Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 mins then allow to cool.
Ensure your baking soda is fresh.
Measure flour properly (by spooning the flour into the measuring cup, not scooping it with the measuring cup).
Mix just until moistened.
Do not overbake. Ovens can vary, be sure to check your bread at least 10 minutes early.
Remove from the pan to cool completely.

Calories: 221, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 48mg, Sodium: 269mg, Potassium: 104mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 287IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword banana bread

Course Bread, Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Banana Bread with butter and in a loaf pan with writing
Slices of Banana Bread with writing

Banana Bread with a title

Banana Bread with a title