Ultimate Banana Bread

close up of banana bread in pan with sliced bananas and mini chocolate chips

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Ultimate Banana Bread

The absolute Best Banana Bread recipe made with a cinnamon-sugar crust, moist from butter and sour cream, a combination of mashed bananas and sliced bananas, and chocolate chips and walnuts in every bite! Bonus, it's all made in one bowl!

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana bread, banana bread recipe, best banana bread

Servings:

Ingredients

For the Pan

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Butter , for greasing the pan

For the Batter

3 medium super ripe bananas , divided
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Thoroughly grease a 9x5 nonstick loaf pan with butter and the cinnamon-sugar mixture (swirl the pan around until it’s coated. Discard excess or use for something else. Watch the video, if you're unsure.)
Mash 2 of the bananas to equal 1 cup. Slice the 3rd banana.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and butter.
Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until combined.
Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir together until just incorporated and smooth.
Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream. Don’t over-mix.
With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Arrange banana slices over the top and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.
Place in oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour (start checking after 55 minutes.)
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cook completely.
Slice and enjoy!

Video

Notes

For recipe tips and variations, please refer to the full article.
To store at Room Temperature: Place cooled banana bread on a plate and cover with plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container, and set on the countertop for up to 3 days. Ideally, you want to avoid the refrigerator, since the cool air removes moisture and will dry the bread out.
To Freeze: You can extend the life of this banana bread by freezing it. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. It will stay safe to eat for countless months, but for optimal taste, serve within 2 months.
To Thaw: to thaw slices, unwrap and simply leave on the counter for 20-30 minutes or pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. To thaw an entire loaf, remove from the plastic bag, but leave the plastic wrap and foil on, set it on the counter and wait about 4 hours and then enjoy!

Nutrition