Description
This classic Banana Bread recipe is a moist and flavorful treat made with ripe bananas, sour cream, and a touch of vanilla. It features a tender crumb and optional crunchy walnuts for added texture. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a wholesome snack, this easy-to-make bread bakes to golden perfection in about an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a well-aerated base for your bread.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure even mixing, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agent evenly and season the bread properly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Add Sour Cream, Bananas, and Walnuts: Fold in the sour cream, mashed ripe bananas, and optional chopped walnuts to add moisture, sweetness, and crunch.
- Prepare Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accurate baking.
- Store banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
