Buttermilk Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy richness of buttermilk. This unique addition to the traditional banana bread recipe enhances its texture, giving it an extra tender crumb and a slightly tangy depth of flavor. The buttermilk also helps balance the sweetness of the bananas, making each bite incredibly satisfying. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create the perfect loaf, from preparing the ingredients to achieving the ideal bake. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this Buttermilk Banana Bread will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Buttermilk Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients for Buttermilk Banana Bread
To make a delicious, moist, and flavorful Buttermilk Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ripe Bananas (3 medium)
- The key to this recipe is using ripe bananas, as they provide natural sweetness and moisture. The darker, more speckled the bananas, the better!
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup)
- Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
- This is the base of your banana bread. Be sure to measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid using too much.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Baking soda helps the banana bread rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the bananas and balances the flavors.
- Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick) – softened
- Butter adds richness and flavor to the bread. Softened butter ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
- Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with browning. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet you like your banana bread.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup) – packed
- Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor. The molasses in brown sugar also contributes to the bread’s rich texture.
- Eggs (2 large)
- Eggs act as binders, helping hold the ingredients together, while also contributing to the texture and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Vanilla enhances the flavor profile of the banana bread, giving it a warm, comforting aroma.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup) – Adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the banana bread.
- Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup) – For a sweet, indulgent twist. You can use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – For extra warmth and spice, cinnamon pairs beautifully with bananas.
These ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful loaf that is perfect for any occasion!
Directions for Buttermilk Banana Bread
Follow these step-by-step directions to bake the perfect Buttermilk Banana Bread:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your banana bread.
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan:
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
3. Mash the Bananas:
- In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. Mash them until they’re smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. You should have about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of mashed bananas.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the brown sugar and continue to beat until everything is well combined.
6. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Crack the 2 large eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
7. Incorporate the Mashed Bananas:
- Add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined. This is where the banana flavor shines through!
8. Add the Buttermilk:
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of buttermilk and stir to combine. The buttermilk helps create a soft, tender texture and balances the sweetness of the bananas.
9. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt mixture) into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to fold the mixture together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
10. Optional Add-ins:
- If you’re adding any extras like chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this point. If you’re adding cinnamon, you can incorporate it into the dry ingredients.
11. Pour the Batter into the Loaf Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it’s evenly distributed.
12. Bake the Banana Bread:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The top should be golden brown, and the bread should feel firm to the touch.
13. Cool the Banana Bread:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy at the bottom.
14. Serve:
- Once cooled, slice the bread into thick pieces and serve! Enjoy it on its own, or spread some butter, cream cheese, or peanut butter for extra indulgence.
Now you have a delicious, moist, and flavorful Buttermilk Banana Bread that’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Buttermilk Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan For baking the banana bread.
- Mixing bowls One large bowl for wet ingredients and another for dry ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer For creaming the butter and sugars and mixing the wet ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher To mash the ripe bananas.
- Whisk For mixing the dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ripe Bananas
- 1/2 cups Buttermilk
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas and set aside.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, then mix in eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold into the wet mixture, followed by buttermilk.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better!
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking the bread at around 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize your bread with add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or cinnamon. Just fold them in gently with the dry ingredients.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage (up to 3 months). Reheat slices for a freshly-baked taste.
Tips for Buttermilk Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas:
- The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas, with plenty of brown spots, are sweeter and more flavorful. They also add extra moisture to the bread, making it more tender.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter:
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough loaf. Stir until just combined to keep the texture light and airy.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
- Customize your banana bread by adding ingredients like chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips, cinnamon, or even shredded coconut. These can elevate the flavor and texture of your banana bread.
- Check for Doneness:
- Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the bread around 55 minutes of baking. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s still wet, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking every few minutes.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
- For the best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together more easily, creating a smoother batter and a more even texture.
- Grease the Pan Properly:
- Be sure to grease your loaf pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. If you prefer a golden crust, you can even lightly dust the greased pan with flour.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing:
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing it. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the bread set, preventing it from falling apart when you cut it.
- Storage and Freezing:
- Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Banana bread can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated for a fresh taste.
- Avoid Underbaking:
- Be sure to bake the bread long enough for a golden top and firm texture. Underbaking can result in a soggy center. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the loaf with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Experiment with Spices:
- Add a little nutmeg, allspice, or cloves along with cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor. These spices can elevate the bread, especially if you’re not adding other mix-ins.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Buttermilk Banana Bread turns out perfectly every time, with a moist texture and delicious flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Buttermilk Banana Bread is a truly delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy richness of buttermilk, creating a moist, flavorful loaf that’s hard to resist. The addition of buttermilk not only makes the bread extra tender but also adds a unique depth of flavor that sets it apart from regular banana bread. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations—like adding nuts, chocolate chips, or warming spices—this banana bread is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and give this recipe a try. You might just find that it becomes your new go-to banana bread recipe!
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!