Description
This Old-Fashioned Banana Bread is incredibly moist, tender, and full of rich banana flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and ripe bananas, it’s an easy and fail-proof recipe that delivers a soft, flavorful loaf every time. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 325°F and position a rack in the middle. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents over-browning.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly pour the banana mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Sift the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix gently until a smooth batter forms, but do not overmix.
- Prepare the baking pans: Grease two loaf pans with butter and dust them with flour. This prevents sticking and makes unmolding easier.
- Fill the pans and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- For a healthier option, replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- Add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans can be mixed in before baking for extra texture.
- Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 76mg