The World’s Most Delicious Banana Bread Recipe

Is there anything better than the comforting smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home? Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this banana bread recipe is foolproof, flavorful, and truly delicious. I’ve tested many banana bread recipes over the years, but this one is, without a doubt, my favorite. It’s soft, moist, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of cinnamon. Ready to bake the best banana bread of your life? Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

3 ½ ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 ⅛ cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp sour cream

Instructions:

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash 3 ½ ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Mix wet ingredients: Add the 2 eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 tbsp of sour cream to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined. The sour cream adds moisture and a subtle richness to the batter.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 ⅔ cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, ¼ tsp of cinnamon, ½ tsp of salt, and 1 ⅛ cups of sugar. The touch of cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps your banana bread tender and soft.
Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into your lined loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 45-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!). Slice it up and enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread:

Use overripe bananas: The darker and spottier, the better! This makes the bread naturally sweeter and more flavorful.
Add mix-ins: Feeling adventurous? Add chocolate chips, walnuts, Nutella, or even a swirl of peanut butter for an extra indulgence.
Store leftovers: Banana bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze slices for a grab-and-go treat later on.

There you have it — the world’s most delicious banana bread! Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Let me know in the comments how your banana bread turns out!