The Best Banana Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this banana bread recipe. First, it’s incredibly moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream and the right ratio of ripe bananas. It’s easy to make, requiring just one bowl for mixing and minimal ingredients. The soft, tender crumb makes each slice irresistible. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe—you can adjust the sweetness or even add extra flavorings like chocolate chips or nuts if you prefer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 to 4 ripe bananas mashed (about 1 ¼ cups, anywhere from 1 to 1 ½ cups works)

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (a mix of brown and granulated sugar works as well)

• 2 large eggs

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• ⅓ cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt can be used instead)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan (or use nonstick cooking spray). You can also butter the pan and sprinkle it with sugar or a mix of sugar and cinnamon for extra flavor.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a potato masher, fork, or mixer. It's okay if the bananas aren’t fully smooth—some small chunks are perfectly fine.

4. Stir in the sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top begins to brown too much, loosely cover the loaf with foil and continue baking for the last 10 minutes.

8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, invert the pan and carefully remove the banana bread. Let it cool on a cooling rack for another hour or so before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Stir in about ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet twist.

• Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

• Spices: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced banana bread.

• Healthier Version: Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, or use honey or maple syrup in place of the sugar for a more natural sweetener.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freezing: You can freeze banana bread slices or the entire loaf. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

• Reheating: To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast it in a toaster oven for a crispy exterior.

FAQs

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it's still batter-coated, bake it for a little longer.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work just as well! Simply thaw them and mash them as usual. They may release more liquid, so just make sure to stir in the dry ingredients gently.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream. It will give the bread a slightly tangier flavor but still results in a deliciously moist loaf.

How can I make my banana bread more flavorful?

You can add extra spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract, or stir in some chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. Brown sugar will make the banana bread a little more moist and give it a rich caramel flavor.

How long will banana bread stay fresh?

Banana bread will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it or freeze it for later.

Why is my banana bread dense?

If your banana bread turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or not using ripe enough bananas. Be sure to mix the batter gently and use bananas that are very ripe for the best results.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust your baking time as needed. You may need to bake the loaves for a few extra minutes.

How do I prevent banana bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour your pan well or use parchment paper to line the loaf pan. This will help prevent the bread from sticking when it comes time to remove it.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this banana bread?

Absolutely! You can add about ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or any other mix-ins you like to make it even more indulgent.

Conclusion

This banana bread recipe is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of moistness and flavor. Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, it’s a timeless treat that everyone will love. Easy to make and adaptable to your taste, this banana bread is sure to become a family favorite!

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