Rich Banana Bread Recipe: A Moist and Flavorful Treat
Banana bread is a comforting classic, but this Rich Banana Bread recipe takes it up a notch with a perfectly moist texture and intense banana flavor. Made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, and a touch of butter, this loaf is wonderfully soft, flavorful, and easy to make. Ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Enjoy a slice fresh from the oven or lightly toasted with a dab of butter.
Fun fact: Banana bread rose to popularity during the Great Depression when people wanted creative ways to use overripe bananas and reduce food waste.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (or ½ cup granulated and ½ cup brown sugar for extra richness)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
Preparation
Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Add the Sour Cream
- Fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture and richness.
Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation
For a flavor twist, try adding ½ cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for crunch or ½ cup of chocolate chips for an extra treat. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
Cooking Note
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This rich banana bread is perfect on its own but also delightful with a smear of butter or a dollop of cream cheese. Enjoy a slice with coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the bread dense. Stir until ingredients are just combined.
- Storing Banana Bread: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months.
- Add-ins: If you add nuts or chocolate chips, lightly coat them in flour before mixing in to prevent sinking.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Total Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
1. Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes! Substitute each egg with a ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a ¼ cup of mashed banana for a similar result.
2. How do I prevent my banana bread from becoming too dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter and use very ripe bananas. The combination of baking soda and sour cream also helps keep the bread fluffy.
3. Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Just thaw them and drain any extra liquid before mashing.
Conclusion
This Rich Banana Bread recipe is a moist, flavorful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of day. With its tender crumb and deep banana flavor, it’s a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Make a loaf today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!