Name: Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489380H6M14S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 and 1/2 medium bananas, 9 ounces); 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, blended into powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1/8 teaspoon cloves (optional); 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

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If you’re anything like me, you understand the magic of a perfectly soft and flavorful banana bread. This Moist Banana Bread Recipe is one of those absolute must-makes that will quickly become your go-to for turning overripe bananas into a delicious treat. I love this recipe because it balances that rich banana flavor with a tender crumb that stays moist for days, and I can’t wait to share all the little tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way to help you bake a loaf that your family will go crazy for.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to sour cream and ripe bananas, this bread stays soft and tender for days.
Easy and Straightforward: No complicated steps or obscure ingredients, ideal for bakers of all levels.
Deliciously Flavorful: The option to add warm spices and toasted nuts enhances the classic banana flavor beautifully.
Great Flexibility: You can customize it easily to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Two thick slices of brown bread with a rough, crunchy crust are stacked on a white marbled surface covered with crumpled parchment paper. The top slice holds a dollop of creamy, white butter. Behind the slices is the rest of the loaf, showing a textured, dense inside with visible small air holes. Around the bread are scattered crumbs and a small white bowl filled with brown sugar. The scene is close-up and softly lit, highlighting the warm brown and beige tones of the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Moist Banana Bread, moist banana bread, banana bread recipe, soft banana bread, easy banana bread

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Moist Banana Bread Recipe. I always start with ripe bananas—they make all the difference for taste and texture—and the combination of brown and white sugar creates just the right sweetness and moisture.

Flat lay of a stick of softened butter, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl with mashed ripe banana, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of finely ground oat flour, a small white bowl with baking soda, a small white bowl with baking powder, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of sour cream, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl with ground cloves, a small white bowl with toasted chopped walnuts, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Moist Banana Bread, moist banana bread, banana bread recipe, soft banana bread, easy banana bread

Butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming to ensure a fluffy batter.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that you’ll notice in every bite.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and lightens the texture.
Eggs: Helps bind everything together and gives the bread structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
Mashed Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor; I usually weigh mine to get about a cup.
All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level for accurate measuring to avoid dryness.
Old Fashioned Oats: Blended into a powder, they add a nice subtle texture and fiber.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: They work together to give the bread a good rise without making it too cakey.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Sour Cream: This is my secret to keeping the bread so moist and tender.
Spices (optional): Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth but you can skip them if you prefer classic banana bread.
Toasted Nuts (optional): Pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and toasty flavor I just can’t resist.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Moist Banana Bread Recipe is—it easily adapts to whatever mood or occasion I’m baking for. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it for a fresh twist every time.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Adding a handful of chocolate chips is a favorite in my house—melts perfectly and adds just the right amount of gooey sweetness.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and make sure to keep the oat flour as is for texture.
Nut-Free: Simply leave out the nuts and perhaps add toasted coconut flakes instead.
Extra Spicy: I’ve tried upping the cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy, almost chai-like flavor. It’s amazing for fall mornings.

How to Make Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Nuts

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your loaf pan—spray it or, my personal fave, line it with parchment paper to lift the loaf out easily later. If you’re adding nuts, toss them onto a dry baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. This small step boosts their flavor insanely and adds a lovely crunch.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat your softened butter until smooth. Add both brown and granulated sugar and cream them together for about 2 minutes until fluffy—you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture lightens in color and feels airy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides for even mixing!

Step 3: Mix in Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas

Beat in your eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, add your mashed ripe bananas—a cup is the sweet spot for me. It’s okay if it’s a little more or less; the bread still turns out fantastic. The bananas give the bread natural moisture and the star flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add your flour to the batter but hold off on stirring. Instead, blend your oats into a fine powder and stir that into the flour along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix can be stirred gently into the wet ingredients next, just until combined—overmixing can make the bread tough.

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream and Nuts

This is the game-changer: folding in sour cream right at the end keeps the bread incredibly moist without making it dense. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in here too. Pro tip: try saving a little to sprinkle on top for that extra eye appeal and crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Test

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes—every oven varies, so keep an eye on it. The best trick I’ve learned is relying on the toothpick test inserted deep into the center crack; it should come out clean of wet batter but can have moist crumbs. That means you’re good to go! The bread should be golden and pulling away slightly from the pan edges.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Let the bread cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. I confess, sometimes I cut into it warm—but resist if you can! The flavor develops as it cools and it cuts cleaner. If you feel like buttering a warm slice, I won’t judge—it’s one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

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Pro Tips for Making Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—spots and softness mean more sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender and avoid dryness.
Toast Your Nuts: This extra step brings out a deep, nutty flavor that’ll elevate your loaf.
Check Early and Often: Oven temperatures vary, so start testing your bread with a toothpick 5 minutes before the minimum bake time.

How to Serve Moist Banana Bread Recipe

A loaf of sliced banana bread with a dark golden brown crust is placed on crinkled parchment paper. The banana bread has a rough, textured surface with visible cracks and a dense, moist interior. To the left of the bread, there is a white bowl filled with light brown sugar, and a metal knife with a pat of pale yellow butter resting on the blade. A white kitchen towel with red stripes is draped on the right side of the image, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Moist Banana Bread, moist banana bread, banana bread recipe, soft banana bread, easy banana bread

Garnishes

I love to serve this banana bread just as is, but a pat of butter or a little drizzle of honey on a warm slice takes it to the next level. Sometimes I sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or top with extra toasted nuts for a little crunch and fancy touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your banana bread with a creamy cup of coffee or a latte for breakfast or mid-afternoon snack. It also goes beautifully alongside fresh fruit or your favorite yogurt for an easy brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve turned this banana bread into mini bundt cakes or muffins—just adjust the baking time. Wrapping individual slices in parchment tied with twine makes for a charming gift, perfect for neighbors or teachers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover banana bread covered tightly on the counter for up to two days. Beyond that, I move it to the fridge to keep it fresh longer. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

Banana bread freezes amazingly well. I usually wrap the whole loaf tightly in foil and then place it in a zip-top bag. Thaw it on the counter with the bag sealed to keep moisture in. If I’m in a hurry, I freeze slices separately, so I can pop one straight into the toaster when I want a quick treat.

Reheating

Reheating a slice in the toaster or oven for a few minutes refreshes its soft texture perfectly. Adding a little butter before warming makes it melt into heavenly goodness, almost like fresh-baked from scratch.

FAQs

What makes this banana bread so moist?

The secret to this recipe’s moistness lies in the addition of sour cream and perfectly ripe bananas, which combine to keep the crumb tender and soft without being dense.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen bananas work great as long as you thaw and mash them completely before measuring. They actually can be even sweeter and more flavorful than fresh ripe bananas.
How long does banana bread stay fresh?

Stored at room temperature, your banana bread will stay fresh for up to two days; refrigerating it can extend freshness for about a week, especially wrapped well to prevent drying.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil, replace eggs with flax eggs or mashed banana, and use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives to keep it moist and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Banana Bread Recipe has such a special place in my heart—and kitchen—that I reach for it anytime I need something comforting, quick, and simply satisfying. With just simple ingredients and a few little tricks, you’ll enjoy a loaf that’s rich in flavor, tender in texture, and loved by all who try it. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep the bananas coming just so you can bake it again and again!