What is the secret to the best banana bread?

The secret behind the best banana bread recipe ? It’s all about balance: very ripe bananas , minimal mixing , and the right fat . Lisa uses melted butter for a rich texture and never skips a dash of vanilla extract and salt. Another secret: let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes before baking. This allows the flour to hydrate and results in a more tender crumb. Also, always use bananas that are heavily speckled or fully brown they're naturally sweeter and make the loaf moist and flavorful.

What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?

Without question, overmixing the batter is the most common mistake. Stirring the batter too much activates gluten, which leads to dense, rubbery banana bread. Lisa always says, “Mix just until you can’t see flour anymore then stop.” Another common slip? Using bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Pale yellow or green bananas just won’t give the flavor or softness a great banana bread recipe needs.

What are the ingredients of banana bread?

Here’s what Lisa uses in her go-to banana bread recipe : Overripe bananas (the darker, the better) All-purpose flour Baking soda Salt Melted butter (or neutral oil) Sugar Eggs Vanilla extract Optional add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon are great, but the base stays beautifully simple.

What makes banana bread moist and not dry?

Moisture comes from the bananas, of course but it’s also about how you handle the mix. Here’s what Lisa suggests: Use at least 3 overripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed) Don’t overmix the batter gentle folding is key Avoid overbaking by testing with a toothpick at 50 minutes Use real butter or oil , not margarine Consider adding a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt for extra moisture Get those parts right, and you’ll have a banana bread recipe that’s soft, rich, and never crumbly.

Banana Bread Recipe : The Best Moist & Easy Loaf Ever

Name: Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large overripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups); ½ cup melted butter (or neutral oil); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; (Optional): ½ cup chopped walnuts, ½ cup chocolate chips

Description

This moist and easy banana bread recipe is packed with flavor and simple ingredients. Perfect for beginners and loved by seasoned bakers alike, it’s the ultimate comfort food loaf made with overripe bananas and kitchen staples.

Ingredients

Scale

3 large overripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
½ cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

(Optional): ½ cup chopped walnuts, ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins if using.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve!

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. This banana bread freezes well and can be customized with nuts, spices, or chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Egg, baking soda, ripe bananas, all purpose flour,