Banana bread is a timeless classic that fills your home with warm, sweet aromas that make you feel cozy. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This recipe takes ordinary bananas and transforms them into a delightfully moist and flavorful bread that’s sure to please everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why this banana bread recipe stands out. It’s not just the combination of mashed ripe bananas and classic ingredients—it’s all about the moisture! With the addition of sour cream and a blend of oats, this bread bursts with flavor and tenderness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it the ideal recipe for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
How to Make Best Moist Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (9 ounces*, about 2 and 1/2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (blended into a powder**)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves (optional)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
If you plan to add nuts, toast them now on a dry baking sheet at 350 for 5-7 minutes. Stir every 2 minutes until they are fragrant. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Cream together for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat well to incorporate, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.
Use a fork or potato masher to mash 2 and 1/2 ripe bananas until you have about 1 cup. Add this to the butter mixture and stir until combined.
In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, but don’t stir just yet. Blend the old-fashioned oats into a powder, then add to the bowl without stirring.
Stir in the baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt gently with a small spoon to avoid clumps.
If desired, add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance the flavor. Stir the dry and wet ingredients together until fully combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Fold in the sour cream and, if using, the toasted nuts into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Store covered on the counter for up to 2 days.
If there are leftovers, store them in the fridge. Banana bread also freezes well. You can wrap the entire loaf or slices in foil and a ziplock bag.
How to Serve Best Moist Banana Bread
Enjoy your banana bread warm, sliced, and spread with a pat of butter. It’s also delicious on its own or with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful treat.
How to Store Best Moist Banana Bread
Keep your banana bread covered on the counter for up to 2 days. If you want to preserve it longer, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it on the counter. For extra warmth, pop slices in the toaster for a quick reheat.
Tips to Make Best Moist Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients.
- If you don’t want to use nuts, feel free to leave them out or substitute with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or different nuts. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or swap half of the flour for whole wheat for added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
2. How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make mini banana loaves?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to around 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of your mini pans.
Enjoy baking your Best Moist Banana Bread! Happy cooking!