Classic Moist Banana Bread

This Classic Moist Banana Bread from Recipes by Claire is a tender, flavor-packed quick bread that transforms ripe bananas into a comforting slice of nostalgia. It’s super moist, slightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—simple, foolproof, and timeless.

Ingredients

• 3–4 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups) 

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

 Directions

1. Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a 9×5″ loaf pan or line it with parchment.

2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add bananas and eggs: Stir in mashed bananas, then beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt (and cinnamon, if using).

5. Mix together: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently just until combined. Stir in nuts or chips if desired.

6. Bake: Spoon batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.

7. Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled.

Nutrients

(Per 1/12 loaf serving, estimate based on typical banana bread recipes)

• Calories: 195 kcal

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 9 g

  • Saturated fat: 5 g

• Carbohydrates: 27 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugar: 16 g

• Cholesterol: 30 mg

• Sodium: 180 mg