Description
This Best Banana Bread recipe is the ultimate combination of moist, tender crumb and rich banana flavor, with a golden crust and the perfect balance of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) until smooth. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this point.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Overripe bananas are best for banana bread as they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- For a lighter loaf, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- For a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Consider adding extra ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
