Description
Moist Homemade Banana Bread is a classic, easy-to-make recipe featuring ripe bananas and vegetable oil for a tender, flavorful, and perfectly moist loaf. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this budget-friendly banana bread uses simple pantry staples to deliver rich banana flavor and a golden crust, with versatile options for add-ins and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe bananas (with brown spots)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas and Wet Ingredients: Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth but still with some small chunks for texture. Stir in the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and shiny.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and a balanced rise.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Add Optional Extras: If using nuts, chocolate chips, or spices, gently fold them into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed without overworking the mix.
- Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting step helps the bread set and retain moisture.
Notes
- Choose overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature and prevent overbaking.
- Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist longer than butter, which can harden as it cools.
- Allow the bread to rest and cool completely before slicing to enhance flavor and texture.
- Wrap leftovers tightly or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped to preserve freshness and moisture.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast lightly for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
Keywords: banana bread, moist banana bread, homemade banana bread, easy banana bread, quick banana bread, classic banana bread, banana snack, breakfast bread