Moist Banana Bread with Sour Cream (Printable)

A rich, tender banana bread enhanced with sour cream for incredible moisture and flavor. Ideal for any time of day.

# What You'll Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup sour cream
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/3 cups)

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Optional Add-Ins

10 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
11 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
04 - Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated into the mixture.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
06 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
07 - Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
08 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
09 - Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10 - Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sour cream creates this impossibly tender crumb that stays moist for days unlike every other banana bread that dries out by morning
  • Something magical happens when tangy sour cream meets sweet bananas creating this rich depth that regular recipes miss completely
02 -
  • I once tried using frozen bananas and the bread turned out gummy and dense because the ice crystals changed the structure
  • Letting the bread cool completely before slicing is agonizing but cutting it warm destroys the texture and makes it fall apart
03 -
  • Roast your bananas at 350°F for 15 minutes before mashing if you want an even deeper caramelized banana flavor
  • Check the bread at 50 minutes because every oven is different and 5 extra minutes can turn moist into dry

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