A moist and tender classic, Easy Banana Bread is packed with rich banana flavor and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This simple recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both versatile and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Requires only basic pantry ingredients and is ready in just over an hour.
- Moist and Tender: The sour cream or Greek yogurt ensures every bite is soft and luscious.
- Perfect for Ripe Bananas: A great way to use up those overripe bananas.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a versatile snack.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) salted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 4-6 bananas)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a 9×5-inch loaf pan, bake for an additional 10 minutes. If browning occurs too quickly, cover lightly with foil.
- Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 slices (2 loaves)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.
- Healthier Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: Use muffin tins or mini loaf pans for individual portions; adjust baking time accordingly.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw frozen bananas before mashing and draining any excess liquid.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bread. Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar adds a slightly deeper, caramelized flavor.
How do I know when banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I bake this in a single loaf pan?
Yes, use a 9×5-inch loaf pan and adjust baking time to approximately 65 minutes.
What can I do if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
Place unripe bananas in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until they soften.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, chopped apples, blueberries, or raisins make great additions.
Why does my bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed or the bread is underbaked.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter and yogurt.
Conclusion
Easy Banana Bread is a timeless recipe that never fails to impress. With its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and effortless preparation, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee or packing it as a snack, this banana bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try today!