If you have a soft spot for cozy, sweet treats that feel like a warm hug from the inside, this Classic Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends the natural sweetness and rich flavor of ripe bananas with a tender, moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite carries hints of vanilla and a subtle tang from sour cream, creating a perfectly balanced loaf that’s straightforward to make, incredibly satisfying, and destined to become a family favorite. Whether it’s breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this banana bread is comfort food at its best.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking this delightful loaf. Each component is simple yet essential; from the all-purpose flour that forms the structure to the ripe bananas that infuse natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base needed for a perfectly textured bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas (mashed): The star ingredient that adds moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to the bread’s tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the loaf.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds a velvety texture and subtle richness without overpowering.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Brings a gentle tang and keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
How to Make Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. Grease or line an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan to stop your banana bread from sticking and to give it a perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your leavening is evenly distributed, helping the bread to rise uniformly for a light and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Mash Those Bananas
Take your ripe bananas and mash them in a large bowl until smooth. This creates the flavorful, moist base that makes this Classic Banana Bread Recipe so irresistibly tender and naturally sweet.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Combining these ingredients now infuses the batter with richness and depth, giving your bread a luscious crumb and wonderful flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing here; a few flour streaks are okay. This will keep your bread tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Transfer your batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. This even layer helps the banana bread bake evenly and develop that classic golden crust.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this step is pure comfort and will have you counting down the minutes.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling ensures that the banana bread sets properly and slices beautifully without crumbling.
How to Serve Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make your banana bread feel extra special. Try spreading a pat of butter while it’s still warm or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For a touch of decadence, a light spread of cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the subtle banana flavor.
Side Dishes
Banana bread shines when paired with fresh fruit or a creamy cup of yogurt for breakfast. For an afternoon treat, a warm mug of coffee or fragrant tea complements the flavors and turns a simple slice into a moment of pure joy.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and toast your banana bread for a crunchy contrast to its soft interior. You can also cut it into cubes and use it as a base for a bread pudding or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Classic Banana Bread Recipe keeps wonderfully at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, lasting up to three days while staying moist and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or store slices in a freezer-safe container. Frozen banana bread retains its deliciousness for up to three months, giving you a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for just a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Adding a small pat of butter before heating takes it up a notch and makes each bite heavenly.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect because they are sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the moistness and flavor of this Classic Banana Bread Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the bread’s structure intact.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips is a delicious way to add texture and extra flavor while keeping the classic taste you love.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this Classic Banana Bread Recipe, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Use nondairy yogurt instead of sour cream for moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Banana Bread Recipe is a timeless treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its perfect balance of flavors and moist, tender crumb, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. I cannot wait for you to make it, share it, and enjoy every warm, fragrant slice with the people you love.
Print
Classic Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Banana Bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Made with ripe mashed bananas, melted butter, and a touch of sour cream for extra tenderness, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan to prepare it for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, thoroughly mash 3 to 4 ripe bananas until smooth for a creamy texture in the bread.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir the granulated sugar, eggs, melted unsalted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas, mixing until well incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Batter for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Check the bread at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking; ovens can vary.
- The sour cream helps keep the bread moist but can be substituted with Greek yogurt if desired.
