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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  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.
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Banana Bread Recipe with Baking Powder (Moist and Delicious) (10)

Banana Bread with Baking Powder Recipe

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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? ›

    Fortunately, one of the most glaring baking problems has an easy solution: ensuring your bread stays moist. The key is twofold: use quality ingredients and let the dough stand overnight. If you're using storebought flour, opt for “bread flour,” which will hold better in heat and help create a more tender crumb.

    Why use both baking soda and baking powder in banana bread? ›

    Some recipes call for both baking powder and baking soda. These recipes contain some sort of acid (yogurt, brown sugar, etc), however the carbon dioxide created from the acid and baking soda is not enough to leaven the volume of batter in the recipe. That's why baking powder is used as well—to add necessary lift.

    What happens if you put too much baking powder in a banana loaf? ›

    As Joy of Baking explains, a surplus of baking powder will turn your treat's flavor bitter. And that's not even the worst part. Adding in too much baking powder could cause your dessert to rise too fast and fall apart.

    What is the formula for banana bread? ›

    The basic banana bread formula

    Most banana bread recipes have the same formula, roughly: 115 grams (½ cup) butter (or oil) + 200 grams (1 cup) sugar (white or brown) + 2 large eggs + 2 or 3 mashed bananas + (190 grams) 1-½ cups flour + 1 teaspoon baking soda + ½ teaspoon salt.

    What ingredient keeps bread moist? ›

    Honey adds both sweetness and moisture to breads such as challah. Be sure to use a pasteurized honey, as wild honeys contain antibacterial properties that can kill yeast. Store honey at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Honey would makes everything better, but especially sourdough.

    How do you add moisture to bread? ›

    Moisten a section of paper towel long enough to completely cover your loaf of bread (or the portion that you intend to eat). Do so by soaking your paper towel in cold water, and then squeeze out as much of the water as you can. Wrap your portion of bread in your damp paper towel snuggly.

    Which is better for bread baking soda or baking powder? ›

    The trick with baking soda in recipes is that the reaction that creates the bubbles is immediate, so you want to get the batter or dough into the oven quickly, before all the bubbles dissipate. That's why baking soda is used for “quick” recipes for biscuits or breads.

    When should you use baking powder instead of baking soda? ›

    When to use which one. Baking soda is used in recipes that also include an acidic ingredient, such as cream of tartar, buttermilk, or citrus juice. Conversely, baking powder is typically used when the recipe doesn't feature an acidic ingredient, as the powder already includes the acid needed to produce carbon dioxide.

    Is 1 tablespoon of baking powder too much? ›

    Note: The general rule of thumb for amount of baking powder in recipes: 1 to 2 teaspoons (5-10 grams) of baking powder leavens 1 cup (140 grams) of flour. The amount will depend on the ingredients and how they are mixed.

    What does too much banana do to banana bread? ›

    Using too much banana could make your bread heavy and damp in the center, causing it to appear undercooked and unappealing. If you have bananas leftover, you can always freeze them for later use.

    Why is my banana bread still gooey after an hour? ›

    If you must add an extra banana into your batter, there are ways to prevent the bread from turning 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.

    Why is my banana loaf dry? ›

    When it comes to banana bread, moisture is key, and the ratio of flour to banana makes all the difference in getting the perfect banana bread consistency. If you use too much flour, you'll end up with really dry banana bread, and If you don't use enough flour, your banana bread will be way too wet.

    Is baking soda or powder better for banana bread? ›

    From looking at some of the oldest recipes, it seems that baking powder, rather than baking soda, is the most traditional ingredient used in banana bread. However, when you understand how both leavening agents function, you'll understand why you can use one or the other. They'll both work.

    How many bananas are in 2 cups? ›

    3 bananas: 2 cups chopped | 1-1/2 cups mashed. 4 bananas: 2-2/3 cups chopped | 2 cups mashed.

    What makes bread extra soft and fluffy? ›

    Milk powder.

    Instant milk powder makes bread dough super soft and fluffy and also helps to give it a good rise. It also contributes to the dough staying nice and soft after baking for a little longer than a recipe that does not use milk powder.

    How do bakeries get their bread so soft? ›

    How Do Bakeries Achieve That Perfect Softness?
    1. Consistency: Bakeries often use machines to ensure consistent kneading and proofing times. ...
    2. Special Ingredients: Many bakeries use dough conditioners or enhancers, which improve the texture and extend the bread's shelf life.
    Sep 26, 2023

    What makes bread tender and moist? ›

    Usually it's gluten (a product of the protein in flour) that determines bread's texture. Bread where gluten plays a prominent role will be chewier. When the gluten level is lower, or when gluten is tamed by the addition of “softeners” like milk, butter, eggs, or oil, the bread will be more tender.

    How do you keep bread soft and moist? ›

    foil. Storing bread in either plastic, cloth, or foil helps retain the loaf's moisture. This moisture retention is a plus when it comes to the bread's crumb (interior) — but a minus if you're talking crunchy-crispy crust, since wrapping bread will inevitably soften its crust as well as its crumb.

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