If you’re looking for a delicious and moist banana bread, this Banana Bread Recipe With Sour Cream is the perfect choice. The addition of sour cream not only makes the bread incredibly tender but also boosts its flavor, giving it a rich and slightly tangy twist. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is quick and easy to make, offering a foolproof way to enjoy homemade banana bread that will impress everyone. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Banana Bread Recipe With Sour Cream
Ingredients For Banana Bread Recipe With Sour Cream
To make this delicious Banana Bread Recipe With Sour Cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas, with brown spots, are ideal as they offer more moisture and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature. Butter helps create a tender crumb and adds richness to the banana bread.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – You can use white sugar for a classic flavor, or you can substitute half with brown sugar for added depth and moisture.
- 2 large eggs – At room temperature, eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the bread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the banana bread.
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream – The key ingredient that makes this banana bread extra moist and soft. It also adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the bananas.
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – For the structure of the banana bread. Make sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Optional: 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans – If you enjoy nuts in your banana bread, these add a delightful crunch and complement the softness of the bread.
- Optional: 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips – For a sweeter, more indulgent twist, you can add semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
These ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced banana bread that’s perfect for any occasion!
Directions For Banana Bread Recipe With Sour Cream
Follow these detailed steps to make your Banana Bread Recipe With Sour Cream:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread will bake evenly at the correct temperature.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Prepare the Bananas:
- Peel the 3 ripe bananas and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth, leaving just a few lumps for texture. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, making the bread lighter.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the 2 eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Mix in the Mashed Bananas:
- Add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated. The banana flavor will infuse the batter, giving it a rich, delicious taste.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the baking soda and salt, ensuring that the bread rises properly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, alternating with the 1 cup of sour cream. Start by adding a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the sour cream, then repeat the process until everything is combined. Be sure to mix gently, either by hand or with a mixer on low speed, until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
- Add Optional Ingredients:
- If you’re adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage. This gives the bread a nice texture and extra flavor.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter should fill about 2/3 of the pan.
- Bake the Banana Bread:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at the 55-minute mark.
- Cool the Bread:
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, transfer the bread to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once the banana bread has cooled, slice it into thick slices. Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, either plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
Enjoy your homemade Banana Bread with Sour Cream! It will be moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Banana Bread Recipe With Sour Cream
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan To bake the banana bread in. You can also use an 8x4-inch pan, but baking time may vary slightly.
- Mixing bowls A medium-sized bowl for mashing the bananas, and a large bowl for mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk For creaming the butter and sugar together, and for mixing the wet ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher To mash the bananas until smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons To measure out ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, sour cream, and spices.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon eggs
- 1 cups vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas in a bowl and set aside.
- Cream together butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) and alternate adding them with sour cream.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 60-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and yield a richer flavor for the bread.
- Measuring Ingredients Accurately: For best results, measure your flour correctly. Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag; instead, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf.
- Oven Variations: Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 55 minutes, and continue baking if needed. Use a toothpick to check for a clean result in the center.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Slicing it too early may result in a crumbly texture.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to add mix-ins like walnuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit. These add flavor and texture but can slightly alter baking time, so keep an eye on the bread.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Tips for Banana Bread Recipe With Sour Cream
- Use Overripe Bananas:
- The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even ones that are mostly brown. They’ll be soft and easy to mash, giving your bread the perfect natural sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter:
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense, heavy loaf instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Check for Doneness Early:
- Start checking the banana bread around the 55-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to test with a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
- To customize your banana bread, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips. These not only enhance the flavor but also give your bread an added texture. Fold them in gently at the end of mixing.
- Ensure the Butter is Softened:
- Softened butter, not melted, is crucial for the creaming process. It helps incorporate air into the batter, making the bread lighter. If you forget to soften your butter, you can microwave it in short bursts (about 10 seconds) to make it pliable.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs:
- Eggs at room temperature mix better and help maintain the texture of the batter. If you forget to take them out, you can place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to bring them to room temperature quickly.
- Don’t Skip the Sour Cream:
- The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the banana bread, giving it that signature softness and a slight tang. Don’t substitute it with yogurt or other dairy unless you’re in a pinch, as sour cream gives a unique texture.
- Store Properly for Freshness:
- Once the banana bread has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist for 3-4 days at room temperature or can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the bread, and it will last for 2-3 months.
- Test for Moisture:
- If your bread is too dry, try adding a bit more sour cream or a tablespoon of milk the next time you bake. The moisture from these ingredients is key to keeping the bread soft and tender.
- Try Different Sweeteners:
- For a slightly different flavor, swap half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. This will add a bit of molasses flavor and extra moisture to the bread.
By following these tips, you’ll bake a perfectly moist, flavorful banana bread every time!
Conclusion
This Banana Bread Recipe with Sour Cream offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The sour cream is the secret ingredient that elevates the bread, adding moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tang that beautifully complements the sweetness of the bananas. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a light dessert, this banana bread is sure to delight.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or experiment with different add-ins. From adding a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet treat, to incorporating walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, the possibilities are endless. You can also play around with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting twist. The flexibility of this recipe means you can make it your own, tailoring it to your taste and the ingredients you have on hand.
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!