Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas while creating a moist and flavorful loaf that everyone will love.

Created by

Josie Lambert

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:34:15.669Z

This Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe is not just a way to use up overripe bananas; it's a delicious treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to the kitchen. The addition of sour cream makes it incredibly moist and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the bananas. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender texture thanks to the sour cream
Deliciously sweet with a hint of tang from the bananas
Easy to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert

      

Perfectly Ripe Bananas

Choosing the right bananas is crucial for making the best banana bread. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even completely brown. These overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, making them ideal for baking. If you have bananas that are not quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature. This traps the ethylene gas they emit, helping them to ripen faster.

Using overripe bananas not only enhances the flavor of your banana bread but also adds moisture. The natural sugars in the bananas caramelize during baking, giving the bread a wonderfully rich taste. Remember, the more ripe the bananas, the better your bread will turn out!

The Role of Sour Cream

Sour cream plays a pivotal role in this banana bread recipe, contributing to its moist and tender texture. The acidity in sour cream interacts with the baking soda, allowing the bread to rise beautifully while keeping it soft. This also adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas perfectly.

Additionally, sour cream can elevate the flavor profile of your banana bread. It adds a rich creaminess that makes each slice incredibly satisfying. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, offering similar results while adding a bit of protein to your loaf.

Customizing Your Banana Bread

One of the best things about banana bread is its versatility. You can easily customize this recipe to include your favorite mix-ins. Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch, or toss in some chocolate chips for a sweet treat. Dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, can also add a unique flavor and texture to your banana bread.

If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with spices as well. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor. For a tropical twist, try incorporating shredded coconut. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can bring a new and exciting taste to your homemade banana bread.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Mix all these ingredients together for a delightful banana bread.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, sour cream, softened butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious banana bread!

Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread, best served warm!

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It can be enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, or toasted with a pat of butter for a delightful breakfast treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack. For a more indulgent dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle it with caramel sauce.

If you’re hosting a brunch, consider slicing the banana bread and serving it on a platter alongside other baked goods. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit and yogurt, making for a colorful and tempting spread.

Storage Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up. This way, you can enjoy your delicious banana bread whenever the craving strikes!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this banana bread, there are a few simple substitutions you can make. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which will provide a different flavor profile.

For a lower-fat option, try replacing half of the butter with applesauce. This will keep your banana bread moist while reducing the overall fat content. Remember, small changes can make a big difference without compromising on taste!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.