Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (9 ounces, about 2 and 1/2 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Toast Nuts (Optional): If using nuts, toast 1/2 or 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts on a dry baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar and cream together for about 2 minutes until fluffy, scraping the bowl sides and bottom to incorporate all ingredients.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture and beat well to combine, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add Mashed Bananas: Mash ripe bananas to equal about 1 cup and stir them into the wet mixture until combined.
- Add Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the bowl but do not mix yet.
- Prepare Oat Flour: Blend old fashioned oats in a blender or food processor until powdery and add the oat flour to the bowl without stirring.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir the baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into the combined flours to evenly distribute and prevent clumps.
- Add Spices (Optional): Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if using and mix gently.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl thoroughly.
- Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold in the sour cream to add moisture and tenderness to the batter.
- Fold in Nuts (Optional): If desired, fold in toasted nuts now, reserving some for topping if you like.
- Pour Batter and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top evenly.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick deep into the center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs but no wet batter. The bread should be browned on top and pulling slightly away from the sides.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to ensure firm texture and easier slicing.
- Store and Freeze: Store the bread covered on the counter for up to 2 days, then refrigerate any leftovers. Banana bread freezes well; wrap whole or sliced portions tightly in foil and then a ziplock bag. Thaw on the counter before eating, and optionally toast slices to restore freshness.
Notes
- Using parchment paper to line the pan makes it easier to lift the banana bread out for slicing.
- Toasted nuts add crunch and flavor, but are optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Mash bananas thoroughly to achieve the best moisture and flavor distribution.
- Oak flour from blended oats adds fiber and texture but can be skipped or replaced with all-purpose flour.
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are optional but provide a warm, aromatic touch.
- Baking time may vary depending on oven performance; always rely on the toothpick test for doneness.
- Allow the banana bread to cool properly before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Banana bread freezes very well and can be toasted after thawing for an enjoyable texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American