Rich Banana Bread

This is the best Banana Bread recipe you’ll find — moist, tender, and so easy to make in just one bowl. It’s perfect with your morning cup of coffee, packed in lunchboxes, or served as a cozy afternoon snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients, a touch of sour cream for extra moisture, and plenty of ripe bananas, this banana bread is a family favorite that kids and toddlers absolutely love.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 1 bundt loaf or 2 standard loaves

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed banana (about 3–4 ripe bananas)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour either 1 bundt pan or 2 standard loaf pans and set aside.
2. Cream the shortening and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and white sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and banana. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the mashed bananas and stir until well combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the salt, baking powder, baking soda, and flour.
5. Mix wet and dry. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed banana mixture and mix just until combined (do not overmix).
6. Add sour cream, milk, and vanilla. Stir in the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract and mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
7. Fill the pans. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan or divide between the two loaf pans.
8. Bake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and serve. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread

• One-bowl recipe: Easy prep and minimal cleanup.
• Super moist: Sour cream, milk, and bananas keep the crumb soft and tender.
• Kid-friendly: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, lunchboxes, or after-school treats.
• Great use for ripe bananas: A delicious way to use up bananas that are past their prime.
• Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and freeze slices for quick grab-and-go snacks.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas: The browner the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until everything is combined to avoid a dense loaf.
• Check doneness early: Start checking around 50 minutes, as oven times can vary.
• Add-ins are welcome: Fold in 1/2–1 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans if you like.
• Line the pan: For easy removal, line the bottom of loaf pans with parchment paper.

How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread

Room Temperature: Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Refrigerator: For slightly longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.

Freezer: Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup shortening with 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes, you can pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Do I have to use sour cream?
Sour cream helps keep the bread extra moist. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt in the same amount.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly (for example to 1 1/4 cups), but keep in mind it may change the texture and sweetness of the bread.

Conclusion

This one-bowl Banana Bread is simple, cozy, and incredibly satisfying — the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you serve it warm with a little butter, pack it into lunchboxes, or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Bake a loaf today and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade banana bread anytime you like!