This Banana Bread is soft, rich, and full of banana flavor. With a golden crust and a moist, buttery center, it’s the kind of recipe that never fails — perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter to make it your own!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better — with brown spots)
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
- Optional mix-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. Some small chunks are okay — they add texture!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream to the mashed bananas.
Whisk until well blended and creamy.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix!
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional Glaze (for a sweet finish)
Mix:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Drizzle over cooled bread and let it set before slicing.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or cream cheese.
- Toast a slice and top with peanut butter for breakfast.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas — the darker, the sweeter.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the texture soft.
- Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.