Moist Banana Bread with Add-Ins (Printable)

A tender, versatile banana bread with options to add chocolate chips or nuts. Ideal for breakfast or dessert.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Fruit

08 - 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)

→ Optional Add-Ins

09 - 3/4 cup chocolate chips
10 - 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
06 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
07 - Fold in chocolate chips or nuts, if using.
08 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
09 - Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10 - Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The batter comes together in one bowl without fussy techniques, so even on mornings when you're barely awake it works.
  • Those overripe bananas you've been meaning to use finally have a home, and the result tastes like comfort in slice form.
  • You can customize it based on what's in your pantry—chocolate, nuts, or just plain—and it turns out beautifully every time.
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter is the most common mistake—it develops gluten and makes the bread tough and dense instead of tender and crumbly.
  • Using bananas that are truly ripe, with brown spots, makes a difference you can taste; underripe bananas won't give you the same sweetness and moisture.
  • Don't slice into the bread while it's warm or it tears apart—waiting for it to cool completely lets the crumb set so you get clean, beautiful slices.
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix together more smoothly and create a more even crumb, so pull your butter and eggs out of the fridge 30 minutes before you start.
  • If your bananas aren't quite ripe enough, you can ripen them faster by placing them in a paper bag on the counter for a day or two.
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