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Ultimate Moist, One-Bowl Banana Bread Recipe (Foolproof for Beginners)

A close-up cross-section of a moist chocolate chip banana bread loaf on a white plate.

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This easy banana bread recipe uses simple pantry staples to create an incredibly moist and tender loaf. It requires only one bowl, making cleanup simple. This is the foolproof quick bread you need for using overripe bananas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 very ripe large bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth.
  3. Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir to combine.
  4. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Whisk until just combined.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula until you just combine the flour. Do not overmix; a few streaks of flour are acceptable.
  7. If using, gently fold in chocolate chips or nuts now.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  9. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black for the best flavor and moisture.
  • For a bakery-style top, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar over the batter before baking.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; it stays soft for days when stored properly.

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