A quick search for “banana bread” around here and you’ll be inundated with dozens of variations on the classic quickbread. Peanut butter-filled? I’ve got you covered. Chocolate-swirled? Oh yes, indeed. Streusel-topped? You better believe it. And now I’m adding one more to the mix with The Ultimate Moist Banana Bread loaded with your choice of mix-ins.
So what’s the real secret to moist banana bread? If you ask me, it comes down to a trifecta of ingredients:
- Brown Sugar: Swapping out a portion of regular sugar for brown sugar adds a touch of molasses to the mix. And we know the addition of molasses to any baked good translates to moisture!
- Vegetable Oil: Skip the butter in favor of oil and your banana bread will soar to new highs.
- Sour Cream: Last, but definitely not least, sour cream is my go-to for sealing in moisture and adding a touch of tang to offset the sweetness of your banana-filled loaf.
This recipe for The Ultimate Moist Banana Bread is all that and a bag of chips glass of cold milk. And it can be as loaded or as simple as your heart desires when it comes to mix-ins. I’ve opted for mini chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, but this recipe welcomes all options, from coconut flakes and fresh fruit to buttery streusel and crushed toffee.
And have no fear if you’re craving banana bread but are stuck with underripe bananas. Check out my simple trick for how to ripen bananas in 15 minutes or less!
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Find more inspiration for transforming overripe bananas into everyone’s favorite sliceable snack with additional banana bread recipes.
Chocolate Banana Bread: Get the Recipe
Mixed Berry Banana Bread: Get the Recipe
Cream Cheese Banana Bread: Get the Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 very ripe, darkly speckled bananas, mashed well (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the two longer sides. Grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in any mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips, then scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before using the parchment paper overhangs to lift the loaf out of the pan and onto a rack to cool completely.
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
I really enjoyed this recipe! This is the first time I’ve made banana bread with oil instead of butter and it really does make a difference.
I never have sour cream on hand so substituted apple sauce and it turned out just fine. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!
You are so welcome! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the banana bread!
Been my new go to for banana bread. I add more nuts on top with a little brown sugar. ❤️❤️
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Jill!
Hi Kelly,
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?
I’m looking forward to baking moist banana bread, but I’d like to use Greek yogurt instead.
Thanks,
Yvonne
Absolutely! That will work well, Yvonne :)
I love this version of banana bread! Not too sweet and flavorful. I love the comments and tips that you have added too. I’ve learned a lot from reading every little bit. I shared on my Facebook page too! Thank you!
Yay! I’m so happy to read this, Crystal!
AM NEEDING RECIPE FOR PANERA BREAD’S DISCONTINUED “PECAN ROLL” IF YOU HAVE COULD YOU PLX. EMAIL. THANKS PAUL
Hi Paul! I have a recipe for Easy Sticky Buns you may be interested in: https://www.justataste.com/easy-sticky-buns-with-bacon-recipe/ Hope this helps! :)
I made this today with chopped walnuts. It came out great. Thank you. I love it.
Your Banana cake with cream cheese frosting looks good to. .
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Marianne!
what will happen if i use 3 eggs instead of 2? thanks
Hi Coree – Adding more eggs makes for a spongy, less flavorful banana bread.
The best banana bread recipe that I have come across! Thank you for sharing, can’t wait to make the chocolate banana bread next:)
You are so welcome, Lydia! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe :)
My first try in baking banana bread. Added walnuts and choco chips and it turned out yummy Thank you
You are so welcome, Sigrid! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Just made this bread and I think it’s the best combination of ingredients! Moist and flavorful. This will be my go to recipe!!
Yay! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Cherie!
I made this yesterday and as suggested, added cranberries.
Turned out so great.
Thank you.
Saving thus recipe
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Laura!
Love this recipe is so easy and so delicious and the bread comes out so moist I did put Oaks on top of mine and came out amazing
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Gloria!
Perfect moist favorable……..
Divine! Delish! … Addicting!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Diane!
This receipe is so easy to follow and my husband, who doesn’t like bananas as a fruit really enjoyed it. Thank you for the receipe. I added crushed walnuts and fat free sour cream and was impressed that it turned out so good!
Can I add fresh cranberries to this recipe?
Absolutely!
This makes a really great banana bread. Lots of batter made a nice big moist loaf that the whole family enjoyed. It’s my favourite go-to banana bread recipe now.
I’m so thrilled to read this, Irene!
Just made this exactly as per the recipe (most unusual for me) with raisins, walnuts and banana, best recipe I have used for this loaf, beautifully moist, well risen and not too sweet. Will be a regular in my kitchen now. Yuuuuum
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Debbie!
Just made a loaf waiting for it to cool by the looks of it and the smell 5 stars
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it, David!