Craving something warm and comforting to start your day or enjoy as a snack? This classic banana bread recipe brings all the nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen with its moist texture, tender crumb, and golden crust. Simple yet irresistibly delicious, this banana bread is the perfect addition to any breakfast table or afternoon tea. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Award-Winning Banana Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda (3.7 grams)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (7 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 grams)
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature (115 grams)
- 1 cup sugar (200 grams)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups ripe banana pulp, mashed (360 grams)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (60 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 milliliters)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional (60 grams)
How to Make Award-Winning Banana Bread
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until well combined and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Banana and Sour Cream: In a separate bowl, mix the mashed banana pulp with the sour cream.
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the banana mixture and dry ingredients alternately to the butter, sugar, and egg mixture. Mix on low speed to avoid overbeating.
- Scrape and Stir: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and stir gently with a wooden spoon to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease and flour a loaf pan (9 x 5 x 3 inches or 23 x 13 x 8 centimeters) to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Use a cake tester or toothpick to check for doneness—insert it off-center, and it should come out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist.
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of banana bread fresh out of the oven. This award-winning recipe is a timeless classic that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re enjoying a slice warm with butter or saving it for a quick breakfast, this banana bread will undoubtedly become a household favorite. Bake a loaf today and share the joy with your family and friends!
