Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (9 ounces, about 2 and 1/2 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (blended into a powder)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper, which helps in easy removal and slicing.
- Toast Nuts (Optional): If using nuts, spread 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts on a dry baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter until smooth. Add brown and granulated sugar and beat for about 2 minutes until fluffy, scraping the bowl sides as needed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, mixing well and scraping sides of the bowl to fully incorporate.
- Incorporate Mashed Bananas: Mash about 2 1/2 very ripe bananas to measure 1 cup. Stir the mashed banana into the butter mixture until evenly combined.
- Add Flour (Do Not Stir Yet): Add all-purpose flour to the bowl but hold off on stirring.
- Prepare Oat Flour: Blend old fashioned oats in a blender or food processor until powdery but slightly gritty texture is okay. Add this oat flour to the bowl without stirring.
- Mix Dry Leaveners and Salt: In a small spoon, stir baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into the flour to break up clumps.
- Add Optional Spices: If desired, include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dry mixture. These spices are optional but add warm flavor notes.
- Combine Dry with Wet: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl thoroughly.
- Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold in sour cream to add moisture and richness to the batter.
- Incorporate Nuts (Optional): Fold in the toasted nuts now, reserving some for topping if preferred.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Bake at 350°F for 55 to 65 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick deeply into the center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should be browned and pulling from the pan edges.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture and easier cutting.
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze. Freeze whole wrapped in foil and sealed in a ziplock, or freeze sliced portions. Thaw at room temperature and reheat slices in a toaster to refresh texture.
Notes
- Using parchment paper in the loaf pan makes removing and slicing the bread easier.
- Toasted nuts add a crunchy texture and deepen the flavor; consider saving some to sprinkle on top before baking for extra visual appeal.
- Adjust the amount of banana slightly without affecting moisture greatly. More banana results in denser bread.
- Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are optional but enhance flavor complexity.
- The toothpick test is the best way to ensure proper baking; avoid undercooking for best texture.
- Banana bread improves in flavor after cooling and even better after a day.
- Freezing is an excellent way to extend freshness. Toast thawed slices to eliminate extra moisture and bring back texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian