Description
This classic Luscious Banana Bread Masterpiece is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and a blend of sugars, it offers a tender crumb and a rich, buttery taste. Enhanced optionally with walnuts or chocolate chips, it’s a beloved American favorite that’s simple to prepare and sure to delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the pure vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas gently until evenly combined with the wet ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients Alternately: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the sour cream and whole milk. Mix gently each time until just combined. Take care not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- For extra flavor, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips before baking to add texture and taste.
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots to maximize natural sweetness and moisture.
- Store the banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage to maintain freshness.
