Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread is a classic favorite in many homes. It is warm, comforting, and packed with the sweet taste of ripe bananas. This Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe is sure to make your kitchen smell amazing while offering a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time of the day. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, this banana bread is both easy to make and hard to resist.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should make this particular banana bread recipe. The secret lies in the combination of ingredients that ensure moisture, flavor, and texture. Adding sour cream gives the bread a decadent richness, while toasted nuts offer a nice crunch. Plus, if you’ve got overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe is the ideal way to use them up. It’s simple, quick, and provides a delicious way to bring smiles to your family or friends.
How to Make Best Moist Banana Bread
Follow this easy step-by-step guide to whip up your very own 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 (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 it with parchment paper.
If you’re using nuts, toast them. Spread 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped nuts on a dry baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes at 350, stirring every 2 minutes. Let them cool once they are fragrant.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar and cream together for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat well until mixed, scraping the sides as needed.
In a small bowl, mash about 2 and 1/2 very ripe bananas to make 1 cup. Add this to the butter mixture and stir.
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the bowl, but don’t stir just yet. Blend 1/2 cup of oats in a food processor until they become a powder. Add this oat flour to the bowl without stirring.
Using a small spoon, stir in 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt into the flour.
Optionally, you can add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves, though the bread is delicious without them.
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl.
Fold in 1/2 cup of sour cream. If you are adding nuts, mix them in now.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
Bake at 350 for 55-65 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The top should be brown and pulling away from the sides.
Allow the bread to cool for about 20 minutes on a cooling rack before slicing. If you can wait, have a warm slice with butter!
Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate if you have leftovers.
This banana bread freezes well. You can wrap it in foil and a ziplock bag for later use.
How to Serve Best Moist Banana Bread
Slice the banana bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It is delightful on its own, but you can also spread a bit of butter or cream cheese on top. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Store Best Moist Banana Bread
Cover the banana bread and store it on the counter for up to two days. If you have leftovers after that, place it in the fridge. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully. Just wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in foil and ziplock bags and freeze.
Tips to Make Best Moist Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Adjust the amount of nuts to your preference or skip them if you prefer a smoother texture.
- If you want extra flavor, feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or allspice.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips instead of nuts for a sweeter treat, or try different flavor extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Use the toothpick test. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Just thaw the bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Enjoy baking and savoring your Best Moist Banana Bread!
