Moist Banana Bread

Simple ingredients and a family favorite!

There’s something about homemade moist banana bread that makes the house instantly feel cozy. This version has quickly become a favorite — made with ripe bananas, a touch of cinnamon and simple pantry staples.

The addition of applesauce helps keep the bread incredibly soft and moist, while ripe bananas add natural sweetness and plenty of banana flavor. Frozen bananas work beautifully too, making this an easy way to use up the ones I inevitably have tucked away in the freezer.

It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that works for breakfast, an after-school snack or something to have on hand throughout the week. I doubled my batch to make two loaves — because around here, one never lasts very long!

The Recipe

Makes one 9×5-inch loaf

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter (½ stick), melted

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips

• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds

• Optional: a little brown sugar or chopped nuts for sprinkling on top

  
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.

2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl. If using frozen bananas, thaw them first and keep most of the liquid they release.

3. Add the applesauce, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla. Stir until well combined.

4. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Gently mix just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing.

5. Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts — walnuts and almonds are my favorites — if using.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle a little brown sugar or a few chopped nuts over the tops if desired.

7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, checking around the 55-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

8. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before removing.

Quick Tips

• Frozen bananas are perfect for this recipe. I like to keep overripe bananas in the freezer specifically for baking — just thaw them when you’re ready to use them.

• The applesauce helps create that soft, moist texture while reducing the amount of butter or oil typically used in banana bread. You can keep it simple or add chocolate chips, walnuts or almonds depending on what your family likes.

• If you only need one loaf, simply halve the recipe. Serve it slightly warm on its own or with a little butter. Simple, cozy and very kid-approved.