Moist Banana Bread with Sour Cream: The Ultimate Comfort Bake

Few baked goods are as timeless as banana bread. With its sweet aroma, tender crumb, and comforting flavor, it’s a recipe that feels like home.

Whether you’re enjoying it alongside your morning coffee, sharing slices with friends in the afternoon, or indulging in a cozy after-dinner treat, banana bread never fails to deliver.

This recipe takes the classic to the next level by adding sour cream. The result?

A loaf that stays moist for days, with just the right amount of tang to balance the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. If you’ve ever been let down by dry or overly dense banana bread, this version is going to win you over completely.

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My Opinion

When I first baked this banana bread with sour cream, I was amazed at how much difference one simple ingredient could make. The sour cream not only kept the bread tender and moist, but it also gave it a subtle depth of flavor that you don’t usually get with regular banana bread.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was irresistible—warm bananas, caramel-like brown sugar, and just a hint of spice.

What I loved most is how versatile the recipe is. On one occasion, I added toasted walnuts for crunch, while another time I folded in chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist. Both versions were a hit, and my family now requests this recipe often.

Honestly, this banana bread feels like the kind of baked good you make once and then never need another recipe again—it’s that good.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Ultra-moist texture that stays fresh for days
• ✅ Perfect balance of sweetness and tang from the sour cream
• ✅ Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
• ✅ Customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or spices
• ✅ Ideal for breakfast, snacking, or gifting

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Tools You’ll Need

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
• Rubber spatula (for folding batter)
• Wire cooling rack

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Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats, blended into a fine powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• ½ to ¾ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. 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 to make removing the bread easier.
2. Toast the Nuts (Optional)
   If you’re using nuts, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This brings out their flavor and gives them a satisfying crunch.
3. Mash the Bananas
   Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a small bowl with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should end up with 1 cup of mashed bananas.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring a soft, tender crumb in the bread.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
6. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
7. Combine Wet and Dry
   Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
8. Fold in Sour Cream and Nuts
   Using a spatula, gently fold in the sour cream until the batter is silky and smooth. If you’re using nuts, stir them in at this point.
9. Bake the Bread
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Slice
    Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool fully before slicing for the neatest cuts.

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Helpful Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas with brown or black spots for the sweetest flavor.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour—mix only until the batter comes together.
• Room temperature butter and eggs make for easier mixing and better texture.
• For a twist, fold in chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit.

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Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a dessert-like version.
• Tropical Banana Bread: Stir in shredded coconut or chunks of dried pineapple.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Increase the cinnamon and add cardamom for a warmly spiced loaf.
• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Bake the batter in two loaf pans, side by side, with the same baking time.

What’s the best way to reheat banana bread?
Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds for a warm bite, or toast lightly for a crisp edge.

Can I substitute sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works beautifully as a replacement while keeping the same moisture and tang.

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Notes & Storage

• Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Conclusion

This Moist Banana Bread with Sour Cream is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something truly special.

With its tender texture, subtle tang, and customizable flavor options, it’s a loaf that you’ll find yourself baking over and over again.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet breakfast at home, surprising a friend with a homemade gift, or treating yourself after dinner, this bread always delivers comfort in every bite.

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Category: Bread, Dessert, Snack

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