Is there anything better than the smell of fresh banana bread baking in the oven? It’s one of those timeless recipes that brings so much warmth and comfort to any kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a sweet treat after dinner, this Rich Banana Bread recipe delivers that perfect combination of moist, tender crumb and sweet banana flavor.

The addition of sour cream makes this banana bread incredibly rich and moist, while a simple vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness on top. Plus, if you’re a fan of a little crunch, you can toss in some chopped nuts for added texture. Ready to fill your home with that irresistible banana bread aroma? Let’s get baking!

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Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread

Super Moist Texture: Thanks to the addition of sour cream, this banana bread is unbelievably soft and rich.

Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or skills required! You’ll be mixing up a delicious loaf in no time.

Versatile Add-ins: Feel free to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of cinnamon.

Perfect for Gifting: Whip up an extra loaf to share with family or friends—trust me, they’ll love you for it.

Ingredients for Rich Banana Bread

For the Banana Bread:

3 ripe bananas, mashed – The riper, the better! They’ll add natural sweetness and moisture.
1 cup granulated sugar – For that perfect level of sweetness.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creamy, buttery goodness in every bite.
2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together for that perfect texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your banana bread.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup sour cream – The secret to making this bread extra rich and moist.
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional – For those who love a bit of crunch.

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar – Sweet and silky for that beautiful drizzle.
2 tablespoons milk – Thins the glaze just enough for the perfect consistency.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – A little extra vanilla never hurts!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Before you do anything, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or use parchment paper if you prefer easy cleanup.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is key to giving your banana bread that perfect texture.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warmth and sweetness.

4. Mash the Bananas

In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. If you like a few chunks of banana in your bread, feel free to leave a bit of texture. Then, add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture and stir until combined.

Tip: Ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal for banana bread, as they’re extra sweet and soft.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help your banana bread rise properly.

6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Now it’s time to combine everything! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want your bread to stay light and fluffy.

7. Fold in the Nuts (Optional)

If you’re adding chopped walnuts or pecans, gently fold them into the batter. This will give your banana bread a delightful crunch in every bite.

8. Bake the Banana Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip: Keep an eye on the bread after 60 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

9. Cool and Glaze

Once your banana bread is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top for that perfect finishing touch.

Personal Tips and Variations

Want Extra Flavor? Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence.

Make it Healthier: Swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar, or use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome loaf.

Mini Loaves for Gifting: This recipe can easily be divided into smaller loaf pans for gifting. Adjust the baking time to 30-40 minutes for mini loaves.