Sour Cream Banana Bread

Sour Cream Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful twist on the classic banana bread. The addition of sour cream enhances the texture, making it incredibly tender and rich. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a subtle tang, this bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert. Optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips can elevate the flavor and texture even further.

Ingredients

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1½ cups (225 g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
½ cup (115 g) sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in the optional walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 291 kcal
Total Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 295 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Vitamin A: 2% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are countless banana bread recipes out there, but the sour cream version stands out for several reasons:

Unmatched Moisture: The sour cream keeps the bread moist even days after baking. You won’t need to worry about the loaf drying out, even if you don’t store it perfectly.
Rich Flavor: Bananas bring sweetness and body, while the sour cream adds a creamy tang. The result is a complex flavor profile that’s more interesting than the typical version.
Versatility: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Whether you love it classic, studded with walnuts, or jazzed up with chocolate chips, it holds up beautifully.
Simple and Foolproof: Even with the addition of sour cream, this banana bread is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests.
Perfect for Using Overripe Bananas: Everyone has a few spotty bananas lying around, and this is the ideal way to use them up instead of tossing them.

The Importance of Overripe Bananas

When it comes to banana bread, not just any banana will do. The best ones for baking are those that are past their prime—soft, brown-speckled, and intensely aromatic. Overripe bananas have higher sugar content, which translates to a naturally sweeter and more flavorful loaf.

They also blend more easily into the batter, ensuring an even texture throughout. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or baking them in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Customizing Your Loaf

One of the best things about sour cream banana bread is how easily it can be customized:

Add-ins: Chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty richness. Chocolate chips turn it into a decadent treat. You can also try blueberries, shredded coconut, or even swirls of Nutella or peanut butter.
Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth and complexity to the flavor.
Glaze or Topping: For a more dessert-like presentation, top with a simple vanilla glaze, a brown sugar crumble, or a cream cheese frosting.
Make it Mini: Turn the batter into mini loaves or muffins for portable snacks or gifts. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Healthier Options: Swap some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat, reduce the sugar slightly, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.

Serving Suggestions

Sour Cream Banana Bread is delicious all on its own, but you can elevate it even more with the right accompaniments. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a slather of nut butter. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of milk.

It also makes a lovely brunch item alongside fresh fruit and eggs. For a dessert twist, try lightly toasting a slice and topping it with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Storage and Freezing Tips

One of the greatest joys of this banana bread is how well it stores. After cooling completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week—just note that refrigeration can slightly dry out the crumb, so bring it to room temperature or warm it up before serving.

Freezing is also a great option. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat individual slices in the microwave or toaster oven.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This sour cream banana bread recipe is one you’ll want to save and make again and again. It’s quick, reliable, and delivers perfect results every time. It hits all the right notes: moist without being soggy, sweet without being cloying, rich without being heavy.

It’s also a fantastic way to introduce kids or baking beginners to the kitchen. The ingredients are simple, the process is forgiving, and the results are consistently delicious. Plus, it fills your home with that nostalgic, welcoming aroma that only banana bread can.

Conclusion

In the world of banana bread, the addition of sour cream is a true game-changer. It transforms a humble loaf into something indulgent, memorable, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for your family, preparing a thoughtful gift, or just craving something warm and comforting, Sour Cream Banana Bread is a tried-and-true choice.

Its adaptability means you can put your own spin on it with add-ins, toppings, or tweaks—yet it’s so good just as it is, you may find yourself sticking to the original. Moist, rich, and full of banana flavor, this bread is more than a recipe—it’s a tradition in the making.

So the next time you spot those overripe bananas on the counter, don’t toss them. Reach for your mixing bowl, grab some sour cream, and get ready to bake a loaf that might just become your new favorite.

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