Can I Make Banana Bread Without Brown Sugar?

Yes, you can—but it won’t be quite the same. Brown sugar gives banana bread its signature depth and moist texture. If you substitute with white sugar, the flavor will be lighter and the loaf a bit drier. To get a similar richness without brown sugar, try adding a tablespoon of molasses to your white sugar. Still, for the best results, we recommend sticking with true brown sugar banana bread .

What Is the Number One Mistake Made When Making Banana Bread?

The biggest mistake? Using under-ripe bananas. Green or firm yellow bananas don’t have enough natural sugar or softness to give your banana bread the right flavor or moisture. For perfect results, always use overripe bananas—spotted, dark brown, and super soft. They mash easier and blend beautifully into the batter, especially in a banana bread recipe with brown sugar .

What Is the Secret to Moist Banana Bread?

Moist banana bread comes down to three things: Overripe bananas – They bring the most moisture and sweetness. Brown sugar – Its molasses content keeps the loaf soft and flavorful for days. Not overbaking – Bake just until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Overbaking dries out the loaf quickly. Combine those secrets, and your brown sugar banana bread will turn out bakery-soft every time.

Brown Sugar Banana Bread – The Best Moist Recipe Ever (2025)

Brown Sugar Banana Bread

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This Brown Sugar Banana Bread is ultra-moist, rich in flavor, and packed with comforting nostalgia. With ripe bananas and brown sugar, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.

Author: Helen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture. Do not overmix the batter to keep the texture tender.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 210
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Find it online: https://www.easytastykitchen.com/brown-sugar-banana-bread/