- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 4 medium bananas, mashed
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the mashed bananas and sour cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts (if using) with a spatula.
4. Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
5. Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Slice and serve as-is, or spread with butter for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
- Use Overripe Bananas: The browner the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense loaf.
- Add Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a swirl of peanut butter can take this bread to the next level.
- Freeze for Later: This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Why This Recipe Works
This Banana Walnut Bread is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor. The combination of mashed bananas and sour cream ensures a moist, tender crumb, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Its balance of sweetness and subtle spice makes it a versatile treat that pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Conclusion: A Timeless Treat Everyone Will Love
Whether you’re baking for a cozy family breakfast, a potluck, or just because, this Banana Walnut Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and optional nutty crunch make it a timeless classic that’s hard to resist. Plus, its ease of preparation means you can whip it up anytime you have overripe bananas on hand.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your twist on this banana bread might just inspire others to try it too! 🍌🍞✨