Description
A moist and flavorful banana bread recipe with optional nuts and spices.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 and 1/2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, blended into a powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves (optional)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
- Toast nuts on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes; let cool.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat butter until smooth. Add brown and white sugar and beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes), scraping sides.
- Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
- Mash bananas and add to butter mixture; stir to combine.
- Add all-purpose flour. Blend oats into powder, add to bowl (do not stir yet).
- Mix baking soda, baking powder and salt in flour. Optionally add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until incorporated, scraping sides and bottom of bowl.
- Fold in sour cream and nuts (if using).
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness with toothpick (toothpick should come out clean with no wet batter). Bread should look browned and pull away from pan edges.
- Cool completely on a rack before slicing.
- Store on counter for up to 2 days or refrigerate; freezes well wrapped whole or sliced.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Toast nuts for extra crunch.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American