Rich Banana Bread Recipe
This banana bread is ultra-moist, packed with banana flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra richness)
Dry Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
Add-Ins (Optional but Fun!):
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the mashed bananas. Whisk until smooth and combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—stop when no dry streaks remain.
If using add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool:
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better—brown spots mean sweet and flavorful!
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread. Stir just until combined.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It freezes beautifully, too!
Optional Glaze (for Extra Decadence)
Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream. Drizzle over the cooled banana bread for a touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your Rich Banana Bread warm, slathered with butter, or all on its own!
