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Moist Banana Bread - Soft, Tender, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1 1/3 cups mashed)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or light olive oil)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with a parchment sling for easy removal.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. You should have about 1 1/3 cups.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: Add the melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined and glossy.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps distribute the leavening evenly.
  5. Bring it together: Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay—don’t overmix.
  6. Fold in extras: If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. Keep the stirring light.
  7. Fill the pan: Scrape the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top. For a pretty split, run a buttered knife down the center.
  8. Bake: Bake for 55–70 minutes, depending on your oven. The top should be deep golden and a tester inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  9. Cool properly: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift it out to a wire rack. Cool at least 45 minutes before slicing to keep it from crumbling.
  10. Slice and enjoy: Use a serrated knife for clean slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.