Description
A delicious and moist banana bread recipe that is easy to make and perfect for using up ripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 3 large very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, optional
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar for sprinkling on top, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mash the bananas. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
- Mix the wet ingredients. Stir the melted butter and sugar into the mashed bananas. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
- Make the batter. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the bread dense. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Fill the pan. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with brown sugar if you want a slightly crisp, sweet crust.
- Bake. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final 15–20 minutes.
- Cool. Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool before slicing.
- Serve. Cut into thick slices and enjoy plain, lightly toasted, or spread with butter.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger batch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg