Banana Bread Recipe with Baking Powder (Moist and Delicious) (2024)

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Banana bread is a classic quick bread that people of all ages love. It is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe uses baking powder to leaven the bread, which makes it light and fluffy. It is also made with maple syrup instead of refined sugar, making it a healthier option.

Banana Bread Recipe with Baking Powder (Moist and Delicious) (1)

Quick and Easy Banana Bread with Baking Powder

If you have overripe bananas this recipe for banana bread with baking powder is particularly quick and easy to make, and it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

The baking powder helps to leaven the bread, making it light and fluffy, while the maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness.

This banana bread recipe is also versatile. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter for a customized treat.

It is perfect for an afternoon snack or a morning treat with your cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Recipe

  • Easy to make:This healthy and delicious banana bread recipe is so easy to make!Mash the bananas,whisk together the wet and dry ingredients separately,and then gently fold them together.Pour the batter into a pan and bake.
  • Healthy:Made with no refined sugar,this recipe is sweetened only by ripe bananas and maple syrup.It’s also a good source of fiber and potassium.
  • Versatile:This banana bread recipe is delicious as it is written,but you can also add nuts,dried fruit,chocolate chips,or different spices to customize it to your liking.
  • Flavorful:This banana bread is just as moist,sweet,and delicious as traditional banana bread,but without the added sugar.You won’t believe it’s healthy!
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Why Use Baking Powder in Banana Bread?

Baking powder is a double-acting leavening agent that helps baked goods rise. It is a good choice for banana bread because bananas are acidic, and baking powder helps banana bread rise evenly and have a light and fluffy texture.

Banana Bread Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for a moist and delicious banana bread. Here is what you will need:

  • RIPE BANANAS:Ripe bananas give banana bread its characteristic flavor and sweetness. They also help to make the bread moist and tender.
  • UNSALTED BUTTER:Butter adds richness, moisture, and flavor to banana bread.
  • MAPLE SYRUP:Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that makes banana bread delicious.
  • EGGS:Eggs act as a binder in banana bread, holding the ingredients together.
  • HALF-N-HALF:Half-and-half combines milk and cream that gives banana bread a rich and creamy texture. It also helps to make the bread moist and tender.
  • VANILLA:Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients in banana bread. It also gives the bread a pleasant aroma.
  • ALL-PURPOSE FLOURAll-purpose flour is the most common type of flour used in baking. It gives banana bread its structure and body.
  • BAKING POWDER AND BAKING SODA:Baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents that help banana bread rise.
  • SALT:Salt helps to balance the sweetness of banana bread. It also enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
  • GROUND CINNAMON:Ground cinnamon is a warm and comforting spice that gives banana bread a delicious flavor.
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How to Make Healthy Banana Bread with Baking Powder

Here are the simple steps to make this healthy banana bread recipe:

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Banana Bread Recipe with Baking Powder (Moist and Delicious) (6)
  1. PREHEAT OVEN AND PREPARE LOAF PAN. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. MIX WET INGREDIENTS. Cream the butter and maple syrup in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla, and half-and-half.
  3. MIX DRY INGREDIENTS. In a medium bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add in the flour and gently stir until combined.
  4. COMBINE WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. ADD MIX-INS (OPTIONAL). If desired, stir in any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
  6. BAKE BANANA BREAD. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. COOL AND ENJOY. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and slicing.
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Recipe tips for Making the Best Banana Bread

  1. Use Ripe Bananas. Ripe bananas give banana bread its characteristic flavor and sweetness. They also help to make the bread moist and tender. For the best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots on the skin.
  2. Prevent Over-Browning. After 20-30 minutes, loosely cover the with aluminum foil to prevent the top and sides from getting too brown.
  3. Don’t Overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can make the banana bread tough. Mix the batter until just combined.

How to Store Banana Bread

Storage:

  • At Room Temperature:Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place the cooled loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
  • In the Refrigerator:Banana bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.This is a good option if you live in a warm climate or if you want to keep the bread fresh for longer.Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing it in the refrigerator.
  • In the Freezer:Banana bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.This is a great way to extend the shelf life of the bread and enjoy it later.To freeze banana bread,wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

Thawing:

  • At Room Temperature:To thaw banana bread at room temperature, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and let it sit on the counter for 2-3 hours, or until it is completely thawed.

Healthy Banana Bread Variations

If you want to change the taste of this loaf a bit, try adding some additional ingredients. These are some ideas:

  • Nuts: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
  • Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/2-3/4 cup of chocolate chips to the banana bread batter and sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup over the top before baking.
  • Dried Fruit: Instead of nuts, add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of dried fruit, such as cranberries, blueberries, or raisins. Stir in just before pouring the batter into the loaf pan.

FAQs

How Long Does Banana Bread Last Unrefrigerated? Banana bread lasts up to 4 days at room temperature if stored properly. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store in an airtight container.

How to Get Banana Bread out of Pan? To get banana bread out of the pan, let it cool for 10 minutes, run the knife around the edges to loosen it, and invert it onto a wire rack. If stuck, tap the bottom of the pan on the counter.

How Ripe Should Bananas Be for Banana Bread? Overripe bananas are the best choice for banana bread because they are sweeter and easier to mash. Look for bananas with brown spots or even black skin.

What to Serve With Banana Bread

Here are some beverage options that you could serve with banana bread:

  • Homemade chocolate milk is a great way to add a touch of sweetness and richness to your banana bread.
  • Coffee is a classic beverage that can be enjoyed with banana bread.
Banana Bread Recipe with Baking Powder (Moist and Delicious) (9)
Banana Bread Recipe with Baking Powder (Moist and Delicious) (10)

Banana Bread with Baking Powder Recipe

Banana Bread Recipe with Baking Powder (Moist and Delicious) (11)

Banana Bread with Baking Powder

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Banana bread is a classic quick bread that people of all ages love. It is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe uses baking powder to leaven the bread, which makes it light and fluffy. It is also made with maple syrup instead of refined sugar, making it a healthier option.

Ingredients

  • 3-4 medium overripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup half-n-half
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups all purpose flour

Instructions

  1. The first step in making a loaf of banana bread is to preheat the oven to 350°F and brush a 9×5-inch loaf stoneware pan with a bit of butter so that the loaf doesn’t stick.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat together the room temperature butter and maple syrup. Add in the eggs and beat well. Whisk in the mashed bananas, vanilla and half-n-half; mix until smooth.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk to blend. Finally, spoon in the flour and gently stir with a large wooden spoon until just combined.
  4. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry until the ingredients are combined. Having lumps in the banana bread batter is okay, but overmixing will result in a dense loaf.
  5. If you’re adding any other mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, toss them in about 1 tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the bread. Gently fold them into the mixture.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
  7. To prevent over-browning, after 20-30 minutes, loosely cover the banana bread with aluminum foil to prevent the top and sides from getting too brown.
  8. Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before you try and remove it from the loaf pan. If the loaf sticks to the edges of the pan, use a butter knife to run around the edges of the pan to loosen the bread. Once it’s loosened, transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling, then slice when ready.

    Notes

    • Use Ripe Bananas:The secret to great sweet banana bread is using very ripe bananas. The more brown spots it has, the sweeter it will be. Bananas with lots of brown spots are also richer in flavor and have more moisture.
    • Measure the Flour Correctly:When measuring the flour, use a spoon to add it to the dry measuring cup and level off the top without shaking or tapping on the side of the cup.
    • Don’t Overbake the Banana Bread:The baking time may vary depending on different ovens, so please check the bread after about 45 minutes. The bread will be ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or has been baked just with some moist crumbs.
    • Don’t Overmix:To make soft and moist banana bread, gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry. If you mix too much, gluten will develop. As a result, your banana bread will be dense and rubbery.
    • Prevent Overbrowning:One of the best ways to help avoid overbaking is by covering the bread with foil after about 20-30 minutes of baking, to avoid the top and sides from getting too brown.

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    About the Author
    Sarah is the author behind Rocky Hedge Farm. With a passion for simple, healthy recipes, gardening, and remodeling her manufactured home, she shares her experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Go here to read her story, “Living a Life of Contentment and Joy: Simple Living at Rocky Hedge Farm.” If you want to message Sarah, visit her contact page here.

    Banana Bread Recipe with Baking Powder (Moist and Delicious) (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the secret to moist bread? ›

    Add Milk

    To make your bread soft and fluffy, another trick used by commercial bakers is replacing water with milk. Milk has fats which make bread softer.

    What does baking powder do to banana bread? ›

    Baking powder contains both baking soda and a dry acidic ingredient. Since it isn't dependant on acid ingredients in the batter, it is used to add the extra leavening necessary to raise the rest of the batter.

    How do you keep banana bread moist when baking? ›

    How can I make my banana bread more moist?
    1. Freezing bananas helps. It allows you to mix them in easier and gives it a more consistent texture. ...
    2. Try adding Sour Cream (instead of yoghurt). Maybe 1/4 cup for 1 loaf. ...
    3. Molasses helps the color (be darker), but the flavour becomes a little too strong and maybe even bitter.
    Oct 15, 2011

    What is the secret ingredient in bread making? ›

    You probably didn't expect to see soup mix on a list of bread ingredients, but grandma would add this secret ingredient to give a rich, savory flavor to her bread. All you need to do is dissolve the mix in hot water before adding it to the yeast for your dough.

    Does butter or oil make bread more moist? ›

    If you want delicate, soft, and tender baked goods, I recommend using oil vs. butter. Butter will result in a denser crumb and not be as moist.

    How do you add moisture to bread? ›

    Here are a few methods: Reheat in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle a little water over the stale bread, wrap it in aluminum foil, and place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This will help to moisten the bread and make it soft and fresh again.

    What happens if you use baking powder instead of baking soda in banana bread? ›

    Baking Powder: Baking powder in banana bread gives the loaf its rise and fluffy texture. It's the best replacement for baking soda in banana bread.

    What happens if you use baking powder instead of baking soda in a recipe? ›

    Baking powder: Baking powder can be used to replace baking soda, though not at a 1-to-1 ratio. Because the former is not as strong as the latter, it's important to use three times the amount of baking powder as baking soda. Be aware, a slightly bitter, off-putting taste might result from using that much baking powder.

    What does too much baking powder do to bread? ›

    Too much baking powder can cause the batter to be bitter tasting. It can also cause the batter to rise rapidly and then collapse. (i.e. The air bubbles in the batter grow too large and break causing the batter to fall.)

    Why did my banana bread come out too moist? ›

    You may not have used the correct pan size. You may not have followed the recipe correctly. For example, you may have added too much liquid, or you may not have added enough of some dry ingredient, and therefore your dough may have had too much moisture.

    Why is my banana bread always mushy? ›

    Using a lot of bananas adds excess moisture, and there are two ways to get rid of it. You could either add more flour or increase the baking time. Add a tablespoon of extra flour at a time into the batter and give it a good whisk until its consistency starts to look right: thick but runny enough to fall off a spoon.

    Why is my banana bread still wet in the middle? ›

    Preheat your oven to the temperature you originally used to bake the banana bread. Use a knife to test the bread in the center. If it's too wet or raw, return it to the oven. Place the bread back in the oven on a baking sheet or rack and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

    What are the three most important ingredients in bread? ›

    The principal ingredients in all bread are:
    • Flour.
    • Yeast.
    • Salt.
    • Water.

    What is the most important ingredient in bread? ›

    Flour: The primary ingredient in bread is flour, which is usually made from wheat. Flour contains proteins, called gluten, that give bread its structure and texture. Water: Water is added to the flour to form a dough, which is then kneaded and shaped into a loaf.

    What are 4 key things to remember when making bread? ›

    12 tips for making perfect bread
    • Use the right yeast. ...
    • Store your yeast properly. ...
    • Treat salt with care. ...
    • Take your time. ...
    • Try different flours. ...
    • Consider vitamin C. ...
    • Practice makes perfect. ...
    • Don't prove for too long.

    What is the secret to a soft and fluffy bread? ›

    You want to rise the dough so that the yeast still has enough energy in it to work in the oven to give you a nice, light, fluffy loaf of white bread. Lightly cover the loaf pans with plastic wrap - do not make it too tight as you don't want the dough to rise up and get trapped in the plastic wrap.

    How do bakeries get their bread so soft? ›

    There's something magical about the bread you get at your local bakeries - they're always sooo soft and fluffy. Many of these breads, especially packaged ones, are made with a ton of chemical additives such as calcium propionate, amylase, and chlorine dioxide which help keep them soft, light, and fluffy for days.

    How do you keep bread soft and fluffy? ›

    1. Store bread in an airtight container or plastic bag: This will help trap the bread's natural moisture and prevent it from drying out.
    2. Keep bread at room temperature: Storing bread in the refrigerator can cause it to dry out, so it's best to keep it at room temperature.
    Apr 8, 2023

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