This moist sour cream banana bread is a sweet treat that is super easy to make! It’s packed with ripe bananas and a dollop of sour cream, giving it that perfect texture.
You won’t believe how tasty this bread is right out of the oven. I love slathering it with a bit of butter—delicious! Plus, it makes great breakfast, snacks, or treats to share!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sour Cream: This is the key to keeping the banana bread moist and adds a nice tangy flavor. If you’re out of sour cream, plain yogurt is a great substitute. You can also use buttermilk in a pinch!
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential here. If you only have slightly green bananas, let them sit on the counter for a few days until they get brown spots. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a few seconds to speed up the ripening process.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best for sweetness, but you can swap it with brown sugar for a richer taste. Honey or maple syrup could also be used, but might change the liquid ratios slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread is Perfectly Moist?
The secret to moist banana bread lies in properly mixing the ingredients and not overbaking. Here are some tips:
- Mix your batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
- Use very ripe bananas. The more spots, the sweeter and better they are for baking.
- Check your bread a few minutes before the timer goes off. Ovens vary, and overbaking will dry it out.
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing to keep it from falling apart. Enjoy your baking!
Moist Sour Cream Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes before you can enjoy a slice of this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a whisk. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This keeps the mixture smooth and helps everything combine beautifully.
4. Incorporate Sour Cream and Vanilla:
Now, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently, just until combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
7. Fold in the Bananas:
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. This adds sweetness and moisture to your bread!
8. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for a nice finish.
9. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready, slice and enjoy your moist, tangy-rich banana bread!
FAQ for Moist Sour Cream Banana Bread Recipe
Can I Use Different Sweeteners?
Sure! While granulated sugar is ideal, you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor. Honey or maple syrup works well too, but remember to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
What If I Don’t Have Ripe Bananas?
If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or avocado for a day or two. Alternatively, you can microwave them in their skins for about 30 seconds until they are soft, but this may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking. The flavor can even improve overnight as the ingredients meld together!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, slice it and freeze the pieces in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy later!
