Extra Moist Banana Bread with Oil

This Extra Moist Banana Bread with oil is the best you will every make. Loaded with 2 cups of mashed ripe bananas and using canola oil makes it the best ever.

Simple to make and no mixer required. The mix-ins (chocolate chips and coconut are my favorite) make this banana bread extra delicious!

Why I Love It:

• Made with Canola Oil – No need to soften butter and using oil makes it super moist!
• Mix by Hand – The batter mixes up easily by hand.
• Customizable Mix-Ins – It’s great plain or you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, coconut, or nuts.

Ingredients Needed:

• Mashed Ripe Bananas. 2 whole cups! This was about 4-5 large bananas for me. But please measure! And when I say ripe, I mean ripe! We want, brown, practically black bananas that are nice and soft on the inside. They should mash so easily with a fork.
• Canola Oil. I love butter, I really do. But, oil is the way to go for this. It helps keep the bread moist, slightly dense in the best way, and lets the banana flavor shine through.
• Vanilla Extract. Because really, isn’t everything better with a little vanilla 🙂
• All Purpose Flour. I use regular old unbleached, all purpose flour. We whisk the flour with the other dry ingredients which helps remove lumps so there is no need for sifting.
• White Sugar. Don’t balk at the amount of sugar. I never said this was healthy, but I did say it was the best tasting ever. So just go with it.
• Baking Soda. Need something to help the bread rise.
• Salt. Don’t be afraid of salt in sweeter things! It helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavor of everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my banana bread is moist?

There are several things about this recipe that make it extra moist!

• Oil! I love love baking with butter, but using oil in banana bread helps keep it moist.
• Extra Ripe Bananas! You want bananas to be basically black and very soft – this adds amazing flavor, sweetness, and moisture.
• Don’t overbake. Ovens vary, so I recommend testing your bread early using a toothpick. The bread is done when there are just a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven immediately.

My bread keeps sticking to the pan?

First, make sure you’re well greasing the pan. I love to use a cooking spray that is meant for baking that has flour in it – such as Baker’s Joy.

Do not allow the loaf to completely cool in the pan. This can lead to sticking. Allow to cool for 10 minutes or so but remove while still warm.

What mix-ins are used? Can I make substitutions?

My favorite mix-in combination is chocolate chips + coconut, but you can make the bread plain or use different mix-ins. Some of my favorites:

• Chocolate Chips
• Chocolate Chunks
• Shredded Coconut
• Nuts – like pecans or walnuts.

Leftovers, Storage, Freezing

Although the loaves won’t last long, they do last great as leftovers or can even be frozen!

• Leftovers – The loaf can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Allow the banana bread to fully cool then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. It can be frozen for 3-4 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before enjoying. You can also use the same method to freeze half a loaf or even just a slice of banana bread.

Equipment Needed:

• Large and Medium Mixing Bowls – No stand mixer or electric mixer is needed, but you will need to bigger bowls to mix up the dry ingredients and mix up the batter.
• Loaf Pans – This recipe makes two standard loaves (9×5 inches) or you can bake it in one bundt pan.
• Whisk or Fork – For mixing up the dry ingredients. Using a whisk helps remove any flour lumps, but a fork will work in a pinch.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon – To mix up the batter. Because this recipe uses oil and not butter, it is easy to stir together by hand.d

Other Baking Recipes Using Oil Instead of Butter:

• Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Bread – moist, sweet, swirled with cinnamon and has a crunchy sugar topping. It is a buttermilk-based quick bread that is so simple to make. 
• Pumpkin Streusel Bread – Topped with a crispy streusel crumb topping that uses pumpkin pie spice.

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