Super Moist Banana Bread Recipe (no mixer needed)
Your search for the perfect super-moist banana bread recipe is over. Our readers say “Absolutely the greatest banana bread ever! No need to ever try another!”.
Classic flavors, heavenly aromas, and well-tested tips for a very delicious treat.
This is a great recipe for a basic classic banana bread. I have only two criteria for what I would consider the best banana bread recipe: super moist and big banana flavor.
If you google ‘banana bread recipes’, you will get about 278 million results. They are all fairly similar (ok, I didn’t read 278 million). Some have more sugar, some add an extra moisture ingredient, some add nuts, and so on. But the basics are the same.
I’ve made this recipe a LOT. The first time with an electric mixer, the next time (and from then on) without. It really made no difference. However, you do need to pay attention to a few tips that will get you to REALLY great banana bread.
Why choose THIS banana bread recipe
Do we need yet another banana bread recipe? Not really. But…
If you obsess like me and need to review 10 recipes before you settle on one, you’ll be happy you landed on this one – the best banana bread recipe in my humble opinion. Our readers seem to think so too.
That’s because I’ve done a ton of research and testing for you so you don’t have to. You’ll find tips, substitutions, variations, freezing instructions, and more.
There’s no need for a stand mixer. You can mix the batter with a spoon or fork. The instructions are simple. Just be sure to pay attention to the tips which are all included in the recipe.
Bottom line: This is an incredibly soft, moist banana bread recipe. Amazing flavor. A great way to use up those brown bananas. Our #1 most popular recipe. And simply delicious.
Ingredients – tailored to your taste
Bananas: Use overripe bananas that are turning brown and very soft – almost squishy. The riper, the sweeter (although not black to the point they are fermenting). One banana in the picture above is black because it was frozen – that’s ok.
Sour cream – light or full fat is fine. Or use plain or vanilla yogurt instead. This adds moisture to the banana bread.
Flour: Use all-purpose flour (or see variations below). Don’t use bread flour as it will make the banana loaf dense.
Substitutes
- The brown sugar adds great flavor but it can be replaced with white sugar if needed.
- Replace the yogurt (or sour cream) with 1/2 cup extra mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce for a lower-calorie option.
- Apparently, the butter can be replaced with 1/2 cup mayonnaise. I never tried this, but I read it in a recipe and the author swears by it. Update: a reader tried it and it worked! You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil in the same amount if you like. The loaf may have a slight coconut taste though.
Variations
- Flavor options: try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. A hint is plenty or you’ll disguise the banana flavor.
- For extra nutrition:
- Use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. Don’t use all whole wheat flour because the banana bread will be too dense and the taste will be altered.
- Replace 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed for added fiber, protein, vitamin B1 and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour. Check labels.
- Sweetness: Some recipes use more sugar than is called for in this recipe, but I find that too sweet when using very ripe bananas. This is all personal preference of course. If your bananas aren’t super sweet or you prefer sweeter, use more sugar.
- Add-in options: chocolate chips for chocolate banana bread, chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for banana nut bread, or toffee/skor pieces
- Fruit additions: raisins or cranberries, blueberries dusted in flour (so they don’t sink).
- Toppings: Cream cheese frosting, orange glaze, Nutella.
Step-by-step instructions
Tips
There are a few tricks for making a perfect banana bread.
- Overripe bananas are key for sweetness. If they are not ripe, we show you two ways to ripen them in the recipe notes.
- Measure your flour properly! This is very important. Too much flour will make the banana bread dry. Too little will make it too wet. See recipe.
- Don’t over-mix the batter. Lightly incorporate the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Don’t over mix or the banana bread will become dense.
- Don’t overbake. Overbaked banana bread will be dry. I tend to underbake it a bit because I like it super moist.
- Easy clean up: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper before adding the batter. I find the best way is to crush parchment into a ball, then smooth it into the pan. This will make it stay in the pan instead of popping out.
- How to freeze bananas: Don’t throw out your browning overripe bananas. Throw them into a ziploc bag (remove as much air as possible), then into the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost them in the fridge or microwave them for 1 minute or so when you’re ready to bake a super moist banana bread.
How to serve banana bread
My sister loves banana bread toasted with butter. I have to admit it’s pretty good. Plain – or plain with butter – is great too. And a bit of peach marmalade! For a healthy ending to a meal, serve banana bread with this easy 4-ingredient tropical fruit salad.
Serve it for breakfast, brunch, snack, tea time, or dessert.
If you love banana desserts, also check out this fabulous banana cake with chocolate frosting – one of my faves. Or these yummy homemade banana pudding cups.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, banana bread is considered a quick bread because it uses baking soda and powder to rise instead of yeast.
For baking, the best way to measure flour is to weigh it on a kitchen scale. If you don’t have a scale, use the scoop and swipe method with measuring cups. Scoop the flour with a spoon into a measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. The right amount of flour is important for the texture of the banana bread.
Sometimes the batter will curdle when you add a cold egg. If you forget to take the egg out of the fridge ahead of time, run it under warm water for a minute. (Even if the batter curdles a bit, it still should be fine).
Yes, you can make muffins instead of a loaf. Increase the oven temperature to 375F/191C and bake muffins for 20-25 minutes or until the tester comes out clean.
Yes, bananas can turn dark brown or even black in the freezer – and even mushy or liquidy – but they are safe and perfect for making banana bread. To prevent the skin from turning black, you can flash-freeze the bananas first before putting them in a ziploc bag in the freezer.
Experts at Cooks Illustrated found that oven temperature can vary by as much as 90 degrees F (32 degrees C), especially over time. This will impact baking results. CNET explains the best way to test your oven temperature for accuracy so you can adjust accordingly.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Store on the counter for 3 days in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container.
- To freeze for up to 3 months, wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or sealed bag. Defrost in the fridge or in the microwave for 20 seconds. Tip: I slice my banana bread into individual slices first before freezing, allowing me to grab one piece at a time.
More banana recipes
- ricotta pancake recipes with caramelized bananas
- simple banana French toast
- banana muffins with blueberries (moist and fluffy)
- banana cake with chocolate icing – one of my faves.
- homemade creamy banana pudding cups.
If you like this recipe, please leave a 5 star rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟in the recipe card below. And if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments. Thanks very much!
Super Moist Banana Bread Recipe (no mixer needed)
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed VERY RIPE bananas, Note 1 about 2 large bananas
- 1/2 cup plain or Greek yogurt, low fat is fine (buttermilk or sour cream is fine too)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup butter (one stick) – very soft, Note 2 salted or unsalted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, Note 3
- 1 egg, room temperature (run under warm water for a minute if needed)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, Note 4 subtitutes measure properly! (Note 5)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup (87 g) chocolate chips, toffee bits, pecans, walnuts or raisins.
Instructions
- HEAT OVEN TO 350F/176.7C: Crumple a parchment paper into a ball. Smooth it out and line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan (23×13 cm) or 4 x 8 inch loaf pan (20×10 cm).
- BOWL #1 (small bowl): Mix together mashed bananas, yogurt and baking soda with a fork or spoon.
- BOWL #2 (medium bowl or 2 cup measuring cup): Stir together flour, baking powder and salt (if using).
- BOWL #3 (large bowl): Use a spoon or whisk to mix butter and brown sugar together until well combined. Add egg and vanilla and whisk until smooth and creamy. Add banana-yogurt mixture and mix well. Add flour mix in 3 parts, mixing lightly between each addition. DO NOT over mix. Just mix until flour is incorporated. Batter will be thick. Stir in optional add-in if using.
- BAKE: Spoon batter into parchment-lined loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean. Using the smaller loaf pan size may take a bit longer. Note 6 on oven accuracy. Start checking after 50-55 minutes. The middle may still be wet. Bake another 3-5 minutes and check again. When done, remove pan from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Lift banana bread out by holding onto sides of parchment, then cool further. Eat it while still a bit warm!
Video
Recipe Notes
- How to ripen bananas: If your bananas are not ripe enough (turning brown and very soft – almost squishy), here are two ways to ripen them (ripe bananas are sweeter):
- place them in a paper bag with another fruit like an apple and let them sit a day or two. or
- bake them in a 350F/177C oven for 15-20 minutes. Cool before using.
- How to soften butter quickly: Put it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften (if some melts, it’s fine). Or, place in a sealed bag and run warm water over it until softened.
- Adjust sweetness if you like: Use up to 1 cup/230g brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter banana bread (I find 1 cup too sweet if my bananas are very ripe).
- Flour substitutes: You can use up to half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for more nutrition. Don’t use all whole wheat or the loaf may be too dense. Or replace four with 1:1 gluten-free flour (read the label to make sure no other ingredients are needed).
- How to measure flour (important!): The best way to measure flour is to weigh it on a kitchen scale in grams. If you don’t have a scale, scoop the flour with a spoon into a measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.
- Most ovens are not accurate: Some vary by as much as 90 degrees f (32 degrees c), so watch carefully as results can be impacted. CNET explains the best way to test your oven temperature for accuracy so you can adjust accordingly.
- Other substitutes
- Instead of brown sugar (more flavor), use white sugar.
- Instead of yogurt or sour cream, use 1/2 cup (125 g) extra mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce for a lower-calorie option.
- Instead of butter, use 1/2 cup (115 g) mayonnaise. One reader tried it and it worked! You can also use coconut oil.
- Replace 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon (7 g) flaxseed for extra nutrition (fiber, protein, vitamin B1 and Omega-3 fatty acids)
- Variations:
- Spices: try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. A hint is plenty or you’ll disguise the banana flavor.
- Add-ins: 1/2 cup/87 grams chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, toffee/skor pieces, raisins or cranberries, fresh blueberries dusted in flour.
- Toppings: Cream cheese frosting, orange glaze, Nutella.
- To store/make ahead:
- Store on the counter for 3 days in a sealed zipper bag or container.
- To freeze for up to 3 months, wrap well in plastic or foil, then place in a sealed container or zipper bag. Defrost in the fridge or in microwave for a 20 seconds. Tip: I slice my banana bread first, then wrap the slices before freezing to allow me to grab one piece at a time.
- Reader questions – and responses
- Batter curdled when I added the egg. This is most likely due to a cold egg. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, run it under warm water for a minute. (Even if the batter curdles a bit, it still should be fine).
- Can I substitute coconut oil for the butter? Yes, the same amount. You may have a slight coconut taste though.
- Can I make cupcakes instead of a loaf? Yes. Increase oven temperature to 375F/191C and bake for 20-25 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
- What if I don’t have parchment paper? No problem. Just spray the pan with oil or lightly coat with butter or use aluminum foil.
Love this version! Also appreciate all the notes- especially converting to muffins.
Thanks Karyn! I appreciate the comment 🙂
Best banana bread yet! I added a 1/4 tsp cinnamon to dry ingredients. Only critique is all the “notes” make it a bit confusing to follow. Perhaps helpful to inexperienced bakers?
Overall, excellent bread!
Hi Candi. Glad you liked the banana bread! Sorry about all the notes in the recipe. There are lots of variations, substitutions, storing instructions etc and, you’re right, these would be more helpful to less experienced cooks (I hope). I like to make sure readers have all the information they might need to make the recipe the way they like it.
My new favorite banana bread recipe! I did use Mayo instead of butter and I forgot the egg (yikes). Still turned out great!
Hi Jeanie. Thanks for letting us know that the mayo substitute worked. And no egg. Good to know!
My banana bread was rubbery on the inside and hard on the outside. What did I do wrong?
Hi Megan. Sorry to hear your results weren’t good. Rubbery on the inside is usually due to over mixing. Just stir until the dry ingredients are moistened and the flour disappears. No longer. Hard on the outside can be due to overbaking or using an oven temperature that’s too high. Oven temps can often be off. It might be worth buying a $5 oven thermometer to check your oven temperature and adjust it accordingly when baking and cooking. I hope that helps and that your next banana bread comes out great.
Superb! Moist, fragrant and easy to make…I doubled the recipe to make two loaves. Followed the recipe with a few of my own touches: Used two cups white flour, one cup whole wheat. Used five medium bananas and three tsp of vanilla. Added a cup of raisins and a cup of chopped walnuts.
Been baking banana bread for years…this recipe is my new “keeper”…thank you! 😊
So honored to be your new ‘keeper’ recipe 🙂 Thanks so much Christina for leaving a comment.
This banana bread recipe is the best! Except the batter started curdling after I added the eggs and vanilla extract. I soldiered on and the batter ended up looking “normal” but I wonder if I did something wrong and if I could have yielded even better results. Also, is it a typo or is it really such that it takes *longer* to bake if the pan is smaller? I would think it would take a shorter time since there’s less volume. Thanks!
Hi Janet. Most likely your egg was too cold so it broke down the emulsification of the butter sugar mixture. It’s best to bring it to room temperature an hour before. If you forget, you can put the egg in warm tap water for 5 minutes before breaking it into the batter. I’ll add that to the notes. Thanks for bringing it up.
As for the smaller pan, the baking time will take a bit longer as mentioned in the recipe because the batter will be higher in the pan (thicker) since there is less room for it to spread out. Hope that helps.
Waiting to see how it turns out! But I had the saw issue with the curdle I’m hoping it still turns out ok. I didn’t know the egg couldn’t be cold 😅
Hi Suzy, it should still be fine (I forget about the cold egg a lot). Next time, you can run it under warm tap water for a minute or two. Hope it worked out!
Mm yum
Best banana bread ever!! Thanks for sharing! I will treasure this one!
🙂
Best banana bread I ever made. I used sour cream and it was moist and delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Next time I will try adding chocolate chips.
Thanks Carolyn. Glad you liked it!
Best banana bread ever glad i came across this receipe , i always buy lots of sour milk cause i love baking with it and i had never used it on banana bread .The smell coming out of my kitchen is divine in this rainy morning, i added a bit of cinnamon , nutmeg and pecans
Love the imagery of the divine smells on a rainy morning. Thanks for leaving a comment Tadiwa 🙂
Cool but don’t have as much notes
I made this last night to bring to work this morning. Everyone loved it. We only had 8 employees here today and it was gone before noon. Thank you! Will be making another for keeping at home next week. Oh, I added blueberries to mine. Sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar on top of bread while baking. Light sprinkle kosher salt and powdered sugar after cooled.
Hi Shea, Glad it was a hit at work! I like your tweaks too 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment. Much appreciated.
I did and made it exactly as you said and the results were exactly as you said too super moist so yummy I just put some chocolate chips on top(at the end) forgot to add in but just wow 👌 the only thing is I need to make for each member of my family bcs we just get enough and don’t want to share lol thank-you will be sure to follow for other recipes
Haha. Thanks so much Jasmine! So glad the family liked the recipe!
Would’ve put 10/5 stars if I can. I love the fact that it’s actually moist and not as crumbly? when my hubby and I ate them. Hehe. Best banana bread recipe for me so far! Thank you for the recipe!!
Thanks Kit for the high praise and taking the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated!
Would’ve put 10/5 stars if I can. I love the fact that it’s actually moist and not as crumbly? Doesnt when my hubby and I ate them. Hehe. Best banana bread recipe for me so far! Thank you for the recipe!!
I didn’t have yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk. Instead I mixed 2 tsp. of white vinegar in 1/2 cup 2% milk and let it sit for 15 min essentially making buttermilk. Added 1/2 cup chocolate chunks and 1/2 cup coconut! The best banana bread I’ve made. So moist but not too dense… just perfect. Served warm with French vanilla ice cream. Thanks for doing the research and putting this together.
I’m drooling! Thanks for sharing your successful substitute Michael. 🙂 Glad it worked out so well.
Thanks for the tips!
My pleasure!
Could I use gluten free flour for this recipe?
Hi Morgan, If you’re using a 1:1 gluten free flour, you should be able to swap the regular flour with the gluten free flour in the same amount. Just to be sure, though, it’s best to check the label on your flour to confirm it’s a 1:1 flour and that no other ingredients need to be added to ensure success (apparently Xanthan Gum is sometimes required). Hope that helps.
Great recipe. The best banana bread I’ve made so far, and I tried a few! Soooo moist!
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Sophie! Glad you liked it 🙂
I’ve used this recipe a few times and will keep it for my “go to” banana bread recipe! It’s great!!
Thanks Chris. It’s my regular go-to as well. Glad you like it.
Hi! Can I bake it in a square or round cake tin instead? If yes, what should the size of the pan be?
Btw, I love this recipe! It was my first time making banana bread and it came out great!
Glad it was a hit! You should be fine with an 8 or 9 inch square pan or an 8 inch round pan. Since these pans will be shallower than a loaf pan, the banana bread will likely take less time to bake so start checking a little earlier. Hope that helps.
The flavor is wonderful, as is the texture. However, the mess created with multiple bowls, utensils and tools…not a “quick bread”. I’ll make it again, but use my trusty mixer.
Hi Roberta, I suppose the 3-star rating reflects your frustration with the clean up. Sorry to hear that. I’m glad you were happy with the end result though. I always find that you get more efficient after the first time, but of course you can use your mixer if that’s easier or more comfortable for you. I guess it comes down to what you want to wash 🙂
Love it! It’s actually moist!!!
I followed the recipe, using light sour cream and added cocao nibs and crumbled walnut pieces.
Once I read in the blurb about spending ages looking for a recipe – that is exactly what i had done. So I stopped on this one and decided to try it out. Definitely lives up to the hype created.
Hi Leah. So glad you stopped at this recipe and tried it. And more importantly, that you really liked it! Thanks so much for leaving a lovely comment.
i just got my bread in the oven!! and i didn’t have parchment paper.. an i going to be okay?!?! please advise!
Yes. No problem. Just spray the pan with oil. Or grease with butter. Or use aluminum foil.