Name: Sour Cream Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour; 1 tsp. baking soda; ½ tsp. salt; ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas); ½ cup sour cream; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

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Sour Cream Banana Bread is the answer to every banana lover’s dream: moist, rich, deeply flavorful, and incredibly easy to make at home. With sour cream lending a creamy tang and unmatched tenderness, each slice practically melts in your mouth while the sweet perfume of bananas and sugar will make your kitchen smell better than any candle. It’s the ultimate treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and once you make it, you may never go back to any other recipe!

Sour Cream Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each of these simple ingredients comes together to create magic. Don’t skip a single one—every element, from the creamy butter to the ripe bananas, plays a key role in the taste, texture, and golden color that make Sour Cream Banana Bread unforgettable.

Butter: Provides moisture and richness, yielding a soft, tender crumb throughout the loaf.
Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness while helping the bread brown beautifully.
Eggs: Binds everything together and gives the bread structure, contributing to that satisfying, sliceable texture.
All-purpose flour: Serves as the sturdy foundation, making the bread fluffy but not dense.
Baking soda: Gives the bread essential lift so it rises perfectly every time.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the banana’s natural sweetness.
Mashed ripe bananas: Bring sweet, intense banana flavor and plenty of moisture; spotted, overripe bananas are best!
Sour cream: The secret ingredient for a super moist, ultra-tender loaf with subtle tanginess; Greek yogurt works in a pinch!
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making each bite taste bakery-quality.
Chopped walnuts (optional): For an irresistible nutty crunch in every slice, though you can leave them out for a smooth banana bread.

How to Make Sour Cream Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for super easy removal. This early prep helps ensure your loaf won’t stick once it’s perfectly golden and baked.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This little burst of air is what helps give your Sour Cream Banana Bread a lighter texture, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat until fully combined. The eggs give the bread stability, while the vanilla lends that warm, inviting aroma that signals something special is baking.

Step 4: Add Bananas and Sour Cream

Fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream, mixing until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit thick or lumpy—those uneven bits of banana make the bread extra delicious and moist.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together so the leavening gets distributed evenly. This keeps the rise even and prevents any salty patches.

Step 6: Put It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix! If you’re adding walnuts, fold them into the batter now for pops of crunchy, toasty flavor throughout the loaf.

Step 7: Pour, Bake, and Rest

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The bread should be deeply golden and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it rest for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part is waiting, but it’s worth it!

How to Serve Sour Cream Banana Bread

Garnishes

A warm slice of Sour Cream Banana Bread can be downright decadent with a pat of salted butter or a drizzle of honey. For an extra bakery-fresh touch, dust the top with powdered sugar or scatter on a few extra toasted walnuts just before serving.

Side Dishes

This delicious loaf pairs beautifully with a hot mug of coffee or a creamy latte for breakfast. For a brunch spread, serve it with fresh berries, Greek yogurt, or even a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a savory-sweet twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Sour Cream Banana Bread into showstopping desserts by topping slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a spoonful of caramel sauce. Try toasting a slice and spreading it with nut butter, or use two slices as the base for a seriously irresistible ice cream sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Sour Cream Banana Bread moist and fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature; it’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, cool the bread completely, slice, and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then freeze in a zip-top bag. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-baked goodness back, gently reheat a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or toast it lightly in a toaster oven, which perks up both the crumb and the aroma. Warm bread paired with melting butter is an experience you don’t want to miss!

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works as a perfect substitute in this banana bread, keeping it just as moist and tender.

What makes this banana bread so moist?

The combination of mashed ripe bananas and sour cream is what gives Sour Cream Banana Bread its unbeatable moistness and soft crumb, making each bite a delight.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper the better—look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully black skins. The more overripe, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, pecans, or even dried cranberries are fantastic additions. Just fold about a cup in with the walnuts or on their own to customize your loaf.

Does this recipe double well?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make two loaves at once. Just be sure to use two pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the coziest homemade treat, this Sour Cream Banana Bread is a must-bake. It’s so simple, yet so rewarding—each bite bursts with flavor and comfort. You’ll find yourself baking it again and again, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and share a warm, buttery slice with someone you love!