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Moist Banana Bread Recipe (One Bowl, No Mixer)

Soft, moist banana bread with a nutty depth from browned butter. A one-bowl recipe that comes together by hand, no mixer required.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 3 –4 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1¾ cups)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, browned and slightly cooled
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, optional

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • saucepan
  • wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty-smelling, about 4–5 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  3. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
  4. Whisk in the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the yogurt and vanilla.
  5. Fold in the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon just until combined.
  6. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
  7. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 55–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.