This Super Moist Banana Bread is everything you want in a banana bread: soft, tender, and bursting with banana flavor. With the addition of applesauce, butter, and a touch of cinnamon, this bread stays moist and flavorful, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: Applesauce and butter ensure every bite is soft and tender.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed, just a bowl and a whisk!
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or your favorite mix-ins.
- Perfectly Sweetened: A mix of brown and white sugar balances the sweetness.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 3 eggs: Provides structure and richness.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Adds a buttery flavor and keeps the bread moist.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Enhances moisture and reduces the need for extra fat.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/4 cup white sugar: Balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder: Adds a warm, cozy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Aids in creating a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, creating a soft and sturdy structure.
Tools Youβll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inches)
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
How to Make Super Moist Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, applesauce, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50β60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy plain or with a smear of butter!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Donβt Overmix: Mix the batter just until the flour is incorporated to avoid a dense texture.
- Customize It: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking at the 50-minute mark.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips before baking.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture in the middle and on top of the batter before baking.
Storage and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil in place of the butter.
What if I donβt have applesauce?
You can use an additional 1/4 cup of melted butter or yogurt as a substitute for the applesauce.
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 slices)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
Final Thoughts
This Super Moist Banana Bread is a tried-and-true recipe thatβs easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether youβre serving it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, itβs guaranteed to be a hit.
If you try this recipe, Iβd love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know if you added your own creative twist.
Happy baking! πβ¨