Perfectly Moist Sour Cream Banana Bread

Say goodbye to dry, crumbly loaves! This sour cream banana bread recipe is your ticket to an ultra-moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful treat. Perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, it delivers a rich, sweet crumb every time. Easy to whip up, this delightful quick bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Banana Bread

You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy sour cream banana bread recipe. It’s truly a standout for many reasons:

• Unmatched Moisture: The secret ingredient, sour cream, creates an incredibly moist and tender crumb that stays fresh longer. According to various culinary resources, sour cream adds significant moisture and tenderness to baked goods without thinning the batter.
• Rich Banana Flavor: Overripe bananas contribute a deep, naturally sweet banana taste that shines through in every bite.
• Zero Waste: It’s the perfect solution for transforming those forgotten, brown-spotted bananas into something delicious.
• Highly Versatile: Easily customize your loaf with nuts, chocolate chips, or other favorite add-ins to suit your taste.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake a batch now and freeze loaves for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
• Delicious Any Time: This bread makes a delightful breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a comforting dessert.

Ingredients for Sour Cream Banana Bread

Gather these simple ingredients to create your moist sour cream banana bread. Each one plays a key role in developing the perfect flavor and texture.

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 large very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Notes & Substitutions

• Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, always use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots on their peels. These are sweeter and easier to mash, creating the best banana bread with sour cream. Overripe bananas are scientifically proven to have higher sugar content and more intense banana flavor due to the conversion of starches into natural sugars.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly. You can substitute up to half of it with white whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream provides the richest moisture. Plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk are excellent substitutes if you are out of sour cream.
• Add-ins: Feel free to swap walnuts for chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), pecans, or even shredded coconut.
• Sweetener: You can reduce the sugar by a quarter cup if your bananas are exceptionally sweet or you prefer a less sweet bread.

Equipment Needed

You likely have most of these standard baking tools on hand for creating this delightful banana bread recipe with sour cream.

• Two 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pans
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand) or a whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Sour Cream Banana Bread

Making this moist sour cream banana bread is a straightforward process, perfect for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a delicious outcome.

Step 1: Prep Oven & Pans

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously grease and lightly flour two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your finished loaves.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract until just combined. The mixture will be thick and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.

Step 4: Gently Mix Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer, or by hand with a spatula, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense best sour cream banana bread.

Step 5: Fold in Add-ins (Optional)

If you’re using chopped walnuts or other add-ins, gently fold them into the batter with a rubber spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture without overworking the dough.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the finished sour cream banana bread batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Place them in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Once baked, remove the pans from the oven. Let the banana bread cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the loaves onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread & Troubleshooting

Achieve the perfect loaf every time with these handy tips for your easy sour cream banana bread.

Baking Tips

• Ripe Bananas are Key: Always use very ripe bananas; the browner and softer, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Mash Thoroughly: Ensure bananas are mashed completely for a smooth texture, preventing large chunks.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix dry and wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the bread tough and dense.
• Patience with Baking: Don’t open the oven door too early, especially during the first 45 minutes, as this can cause the bread to sink.
• Test Doneness Accurately: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dense/Dry Bread: This often happens from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup, then leveling.
• Sunk Middle: An underbaked center or opening the oven door too soon can cause sinking. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Enjoying your delicious sour cream banana bread is easy with these tips.

Serving

Serve your sour cream banana bread warm for an ultimate treat. It’s delightful on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter, a dollop of cream cheese, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a glass of cold milk. It’s a versatile snack, breakfast, or simple dessert.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store cooled loaves in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for 3-4 days. This helps maintain its moisture.
• Refrigeration: To extend freshness, refrigerate your banana bread for up to a week. Place slices or whole loaves in an airtight container.
• Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature.

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in 1 cup of milk, semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate chips.
• Nutty Twist: Experiment with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or even a mix.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Streusel Topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon for a crunchy streusel topping before baking.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with a little milk and cream cheese for a sweet, tangy topping.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful sour cream banana bread recipe.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This perfectly moist sour cream banana bread is a true delight, offering an incredibly tender crumb and rich banana flavor. It’s an easy and delicious way to transform overripe bananas into a comforting treat that everyone will adore. We hope you enjoy baking this simple, satisfying recipe. Please share your thoughts and rate this recipe if you loved it!

Perfectly Moist Sour Cream Banana Bread

This recipe yields two loaves of perfectly moist sour cream banana bread, a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert. Made with ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, it’s easy to prepare and can include optional walnuts for extra crunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings 16 slices

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Loaf pans (2)
• Large bowl
• Toothpick

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter softened
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs large
• 4 very ripe bananas large, mashed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour or white whole wheat
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup walnuts chopped, optional

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°F and generously grease two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pans.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar, then mix in eggs, sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla. Stir in flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda until just combined, then fold in walnuts if desired.
• Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender.