Banana Bread Recipe
Simply the perfect Banana Bread recipe. Moist, quick, and easy to make with a soft, tender crumb. This recipe is our favorite way to use up ripe bananas and is perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This banana bread recipe requires minimal effort and simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginners.
- Versatile Flavor: You can customize this banana bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste.
- Moist Texture: The combination of ripe bananas and sour cream ensures a deliciously moist loaf every time.
- Quick Baking Time: In just about an hour, you can enjoy freshly baked banana bread straight from your oven.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread fits all occasions.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Banana Bread recipe, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your baking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Potato masher or fork
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: Ensures the bread bakes evenly in the perfect shape.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to mix ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly for a uniform batter.
- Cooling rack: Promotes even cooling, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 to 4 ripe bananas (mashed should be about 1 ¼ cups)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
– 1/3 cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt can be used instead)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or greasing it with butter. Alternatively, you can dust it with flour or sprinkle sugar on the bottom.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking soda
Salt
This step helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.
Step 3: Prepare Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk together in the bowl with mashed bananas:
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Melted butter
Sour cream
Vanilla extract
Ensure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your banana bread tender.
Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a rack for another hour before slicing. Enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread!
How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a breakfast item, a snack, or a dessert, there are several delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Toasted Banana Bread
- Toast slices of banana bread for added warmth and texture. Serve with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a delicious twist.
Banana Bread with Nut Butter
- Pair your banana bread with almond or peanut butter. The nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the bread beautifully.
Banana Bread French Toast
- Transform your banana bread into French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and frying until golden brown. Serve with syrup or fresh fruit.
Topped with Fresh Fruits
- Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top of your banana bread for a refreshing and colorful presentation.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two slices of banana bread to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for a fun dessert option.
Warm with Honey Drizzle
- Drizzle warm banana bread with honey for an extra touch of sweetness. This simple addition elevates its flavor profile.
How to Perfect Banana Bread Recipe
Creating the perfect banana bread is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure you bake the best loaf every time.
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Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas that are spotted and soft.
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Don’t overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to avoid toughening the batter. Stir just until mixed for a tender crumb.
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Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An inaccurate oven can lead to uneven baking.
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Tent with foil: If the top of your banana bread browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during baking to prevent burning while allowing it to cook through.
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Cool properly: Let your banana bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.
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Store correctly: To keep your banana bread fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your banana bread can enhance its flavors and make for a complete meal or snack. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy and tangy contrast that adds protein while keeping things light.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the banana bread.
- Scrambled Eggs: Protein-packed scrambled eggs make for a hearty breakfast alongside sweet banana bread.
- Nuts and Seeds Mix: A crunchy blend of nuts and seeds offers texture and healthy fats that complement the soft loaf.
- Cottage Cheese: This high-protein side pairs well with banana bread, providing a satisfying balance of flavors.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea can enhance the comforting experience of enjoying banana bread.
- Chocolate Spread: For those who love indulgence, spreading chocolate on warm slices makes every bite luscious.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: Add some maple syrup on top for an extra sweet touch that pairs perfectly with each slice of banana goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a delicious banana bread recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using overly ripe bananas: Using bananas that are too ripe can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for bananas that are ripe but not blackened.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create tough bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the bread dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into warm banana bread can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool in the pan before slicing.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can ruin your loaf. Always preheat the oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store banana bread in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freezing Banana Bread Recipe
- Freeze slices or whole loaves wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Banana Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this banana bread recipe, here are some commonly asked questions.
What makes this Banana Bread Recipe so moist?
The combination of ripe bananas, melted butter, and sour cream ensures a moist texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect crumb.
Can I use frozen bananas in my Banana Bread Recipe?
Yes! Thaw frozen bananas and mash them before adding them to your mixture. They will provide great flavor and moisture.
How do I customize my Banana Bread Recipe?
You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance flavor. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins!
What is the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a brown paper bag at room temperature or bake them at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes until they darken.
Final Thoughts
This banana bread recipe is truly delightful and versatile, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With its moist texture and sweet aroma, it’s hard not to love it. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for even more flavor!
Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting delight of this easy Banana Bread Recipe, perfect for breakfast or as a satisfying snack at any time of day. With its moist texture and tender crumb, this banana bread is made with ripe bananas and a touch of sour cream, ensuring each slice is flavorful and soft. Not only is it quick to whip up in under an hour, but it also allows for customization with nuts or chocolate chips to suit your personal taste. This recipe transforms overripe bananas into a golden loaf that your family and friends will love. Enjoy it toasted with butter or as part of a decadent dessert; the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan by greasing it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
- Stir in granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (65g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
