Introduction
Have some ripe bananas lying around? Don’t toss them! Turn them into something absolutely delicious — Sour Cream Banana Bread. This recipe is soft, moist, and full of banana flavor. The secret ingredient that makes it extra rich and tender? Sour cream!
Sour cream keeps the bread moist without making it too heavy. It adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness from the bananas and sugar. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this banana bread will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients – Sour Cream Banana Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best sour cream banana bread:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 and 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
These ingredients are easy to find and the measurements are simple. Just make sure your bananas are nice and ripe — the browner, the better!
Step by Step Process – Sour Cream Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add Bananas and Sour Cream
Now, mash the ripe bananas with a fork in a small bowl and add them to the butter mixture. Stir in the sour cream until well combined.
Step 6: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just mixed. Don’t overmix — that can make the bread tough.
Step 7: Add Optional Ingredients
If you like, you can now stir in nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Step 8: Pour into the Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spoon or spatula.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to get too dark, you can lightly cover it with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 6% DV |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 4% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and works just as well. It will still keep the banana bread moist and soft.
Q2: How ripe should my bananas be?
Your bananas should be very ripe — yellow with lots of brown spots or even completely brown. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer your bread will be.
Q3: Can I freeze this banana bread?
Absolutely! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To eat, just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
Q4: What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can use a muffin tin instead! Just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.
Q5: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet bread. It still tastes great!
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream Banana Bread is truly one of the best banana bread recipes you’ll ever try. It’s super soft, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The sour cream really makes a difference — giving the bread a rich texture and helping it stay moist for days.
Whether you enjoy it plain, with a little butter, or dressed up with chocolate chips, this recipe is perfect for any time of day. It’s also a great way to use up ripe bananas instead of throwing them away.
So, next time you have overripe bananas sitting on the counter, you know what to do — bake a loaf of this BEST Ever Sour Cream Banana Bread and share the love!
