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Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

This best moist banana bread recipe yields a tender, flavorful loaf packed with ripe bananas and a subtle hint of spices. The addition of oat flour and sour cream ensures a moist crumb, while optional toasted nuts add a delightful crunch. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this banana bread is easy to make and stores well, freezing beautifully for future enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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)

Nuts (Optional)

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.
  2. Toast Nuts: If using nuts, toast 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans on a dry baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat for about 2 minutes until fluffy, scraping the bowl sides.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well incorporated, scraping the sides.
  5. Prepare Bananas: In a small bowl, mash 2 and 1/2 very ripe bananas to yield about 1 cup. Add mashed banana to the butter mixture and stir to combine.
  6. Add Flour: Spoon 1 cup all-purpose flour into the bowl without stirring yet.
  7. Make Oat Flour: Blend 1/2 cup old fashioned oats in a blender or food processor until powdered. Add oat flour to the bowl without stirring.
  8. Add Leavening and Salt: Use a small spoon to stir together 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt into the flour mixture to avoid clumps.
  9. Add Spices (Optional): Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon each nutmeg and cloves if desired.
  10. Combine Dry and Wet: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just incorporated, scraping the bowl bottom and sides to mix evenly.
  11. Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold in 1/2 cup sour cream to enhance moisture and texture.
  12. Add Nuts: Fold in the cooled toasted nuts if using. You may reserve some to sprinkle on top before baking for extra crunch.
  13. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
  14. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes. Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick deep into the center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Bread should be golden brown and pulling slightly from the pan edges.
  15. Cool: Let the bread cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the structure set.
  16. Store: Cover and store banana bread on the counter for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a ziplock bag. Thaw at room temperature and toast slices for best texture.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Oat flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and fiber; blending oats to a powder is essential for texture.
  • Optional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves enhance warmth but can be omitted without sacrificing flavor.
  • Toasting nuts develops their flavor and adds crunch but is optional.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
  • Check the bread at 55 minutes; ovens vary and overbaking can dry out the loaf.
  • Banana bread can be frozen whole or sliced; toast slices after thawing for ideal taste and texture.

Keywords: banana bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, homemade banana bread, banana bread with nuts, oat flour banana bread

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/best-moist-banana-bread-recipe/