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Freshly baked steaming banana bread loaf with a banana slice in the center, served on a wooden board with walnuts.

The Absolute Best Banana Bread Recipe (Ultra-Moist & Easy!)

This is the ultimate easy banana bread recipe! Incredibly moist, tender, and packed with sweet banana flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert, this classic recipe is a great way to use up overripe bananas.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings (Makes 1 loaf)
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 4 medium bananas or 2 large bananas, very ripe and speckled
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line one 8x4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease them generously with butter or baking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the bananas until smooth with some tiny chunks left for texture. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
  6. Gently fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract using a spatula. (If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now!).
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For the absolute best flavor and moisture, use bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots (or even mostly black!). Green or bright yellow bananas will make the bread dry and less sweet.
  • Always measure your flour using the "spoon and level" method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife. Scooping directly from the bag packs too much flour and results in a dry loaf.
  • Feel free to customize! You can gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a dash of cinnamon during the very last step of mixing.