Classic Moist Banana Bread (Printable Version)

Soft, moist banana loaf made with ripe bananas. Simple prep in one bowl and bakes with pantry staples.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 to 3 medium (7" to 7-7/8" long) very ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)
02 - 1/3 cup (76g) butter, unsalted or salted, melted
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 pinch salt
05 - 3/4 cup (150g) sugar (1/2 cup if you would like it less sweet, 1 cup if more sweet)
06 - 1 large egg, beaten
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/2 cups (205g) all-purpose flour

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8x4-inch loaf pan.
02 - In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until completely smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
03 - Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour until just incorporated.
04 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the loaf browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
05 - Remove from oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then remove the loaf and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving. Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf.

# Notes:

01 - The best bananas for this recipe are overripe with at least half-browned peels and squishy insides.
02 - If baking in a 9x5-inch pan, check for doneness earlier (45 to 55 minutes).
03 - Use a bread knife for cleaner slices.