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; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Baked Favorites

I absolutely love making this Banana Bread with Sour Cream whenever I have ripe bananas lingering on my countertop. The addition of sour cream makes the bread incredibly moist and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. I find this recipe is not only delicious but easy to whip up, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. Just trusting the process ensures you get that lovely golden crust every time, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Created by

Ione Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:02:36.517Z

When I first tried adding sour cream to my banana bread, I didn’t expect it to elevate the flavor profile so elegantly. The tanginess beautifully complements the sweetness of the bananas while providing a moisture level that keeps the bread from drying out. It's become my secret ingredient!

After countless experiments with proportions and additional spices, I discovered the perfect balance makes each slice incredibly satisfying. Whether toasted with a little butter or enjoyed plain, this banana bread has a special place in my heart—and my recipe collection!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Incredibly moist texture thanks to the sour cream
Perfectly sweet with a delightful aromatic touch of vanilla
Simple ingredients that make it easy to bake any day of the week

Ingredient Insights

The core of this banana bread revolves around ripe bananas, which not only provide natural sweetness but also contribute to its moist texture. Make sure your bananas are well beyond just 'ripe'—the more brown spots, the better! They should easily mash with a fork, as this indicates they're sweet and flavorful enough to enhance your bread. If you're in a pinch, you can speed up the ripening process by placing bananas in a paper bag at room temperature.

Sour cream plays a crucial role in creating the tender crumb of the bread. It adds richness and moisture while cutting through the sweetness. If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or even buttermilk. However, keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly, so choose what aligns best with your taste preferences.

Baking Tips for Success

When mixing your dry ingredients, ensure they're well combined to prevent clumping. Flour aeration is vital, so whisking it with baking soda and salt creates a uniform mixture that ensures even rising. After mixing the wet ingredients, you should see a smooth and glossy mixture. Be mindful not to over-mix when combining the wet and dry ingredients, as this can result in a dense loaf instead of the light, airy outcome desired.

For the perfect bake, keep an eye on the bread during the last 10 minutes. The top should form a golden crust, and a skewer or toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center. If the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with melted butter until well combined. Stir in the sour cream, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir gently until just combined; do not over-mix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade banana bread!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. This adds both flavor and texture to the bread.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This banana bread is an excellent candidate for make-ahead options. You can prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give the mixture a good stir before transferring it to the loaf pan and baking it. The flavors will develop overnight, resulting in an even more delicious bread.

Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its moisture. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; it can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it at room temperature or pop slices in the microwave for a quick reheat.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is versatile, and you can enjoy it in various ways! A smear of butter or a layer of cream cheese adds a delicious richness. For those who love a sweet twist, drizzling honey or maple syrup on warm slices can elevate the flavor profile. You can even serve it alongside a bowl of fresh berries to add acidity and freshness to the meal.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding mix-ins to your banana bread batter. Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit can enhance the texture and flavor. Just remember that if adding larger ingredients, like nuts, chop them finely to maintain a balanced loaf; otherwise, they might disrupt the batter’s structure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute yogurt in equal amounts or make your own sour cream by mixing plain milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

→ Can I add spices to the recipe?

Absolutely! Cinnamon and nutmeg are great additions that enhance the flavor. Just add a teaspoon of your chosen spice to the dry ingredients.