The Best Sour Cream Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Rich, and Irresistible

The Ultimate Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Sour Cream

Looking for the perfect banana bread recipe that’s rich, moist, and packed with banana flavor? This delicious homemade treat combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy richness of sour cream to create a tender loaf that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Recipe

This isn’t just any banana bread – it’s a richly textured, flavor-packed treat that brings together the best elements of classic banana bread with a few special touches:

• Incredibly moist texture thanks to the addition of sour cream
• Concentrated banana flavor in every bite from sliced bananas
• Perfect balance of sweetness that lets the banana shine
• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
• Foolproof recipe that works every time, even for beginner bakers

Ingredients for Perfect Banana Bread

• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 3-4 very ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Key Ingredient Notes

Bananas: The riper the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even mostly black peels for the sweetest flavor.

Sour Cream: This secret ingredient adds incredible moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

Butter: Use real butter, not margarine, for the richest flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Bread

1. Gather all ingredients and allow butter, eggs, and sour cream to come to room temperature.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla until well combined.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
8. If using, fold in chopped walnuts.
9. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for the Best Banana Bread

• Don’t overmix the batter – stir just until ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
• Test for doneness carefully – insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Cover with foil if browning too quickly – if the top is getting too dark but the center isn’t done, tent with aluminum foil.
• For extra banana flavor, slice one banana and fold the pieces into the batter right before baking.
• Allow to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

Storing Your Banana Bread

This banana bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage:

• Refrigerator: Wrap well and store for up to 1 week
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating Tips

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm refrigerated or frozen slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly.

Nutritional Information

Delicious Variations on Classic Banana Bread

This versatile banana bread recipe serves as a perfect base for many delicious variations:

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter
• Streusel-Topped: Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/4 cup chopped nuts for a crunchy topping
• Cinnamon Swirl: Create a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon; pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon mixture, add remaining batter, and top with remaining cinnamon mixture
• Nutty Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts – walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work wonderfully

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this banana bread without sour cream?

Yes! You can substitute plain Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even mashed avocado for the sour cream.

How do I know when my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the bread may start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This usually happens when the bread is underbaked or when the leavening agent (baking soda) is too old. Make sure your baking soda is fresh and that you’re baking the bread until completely done.

Conclusion

This moist, flavorful banana bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your home baking rotation. With its perfect texture, concentrated banana flavor, and simple preparation, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned nearly 11,000 five-star reviews. Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack with coffee, this classic quick bread never disappoints!

Recipe adapted from Janet’s Rich Banana Bread on Allrecipes