The Ultimate Guide to Vanilla Banana Bread: A Classic Recipe with a Twist
This Vanilla Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food—moist, tender, and packed with the warm flavors of ripe bananas and aromatic vanilla. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, this classic recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time. The generous amount of vanilla extract sets this version apart, creating a fragrant loaf that’s simply irresistible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes (average)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
- Category: Baked Goods / Dessert / Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large very ripe bananas, mashed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mash bananas. Add melted butter and stir. Mix in sugar, then eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold together just until combined—do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Bananas should be very ripe with brown spots for best flavor
- Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are okay
- Bread is done when internal temperature reaches 200-205°F
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- For chocolate chip version, fold in 1/2 cup chips before baking
- Bread tastes even better the next day