Scroll past recipe card for step by step how-to photos and instructions. If this recipe looks familiar, it’s because it’s pulled from another recipe on our site- this Chocolate Swirled Banana Bread. Same recipe, only in that one you marble a portion of the batter with melted chocolate. It’s a fun variation! We wanted our classic version to have it’s own spot here in the index, so here we are.
How to Make the Best Banana Bread
One of the unique parts about this recipe is that, for a quick bread recipe, it is lower in fat and sugar than most others. With only 4 tablespoons of butter, you still get a super rich flavor and tender texture.
After blending the soft butter and sugar, you’ll mix in bananas, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream or yogurt. I’ve included several notes about other things you can use in place of the sour cream or yogurt- this recipe is very flexible! A few basic dry ingredients are added and that’s it. This recipe is very quick and easy to mix up.
TIP: The Best Way to Bake Quick Breads
I always line my pans with parchment. You don’t need to line the entire interior, like you would with foil. Rather cut your parchment so it fits like a sling as show in the photo below. Spray your pan with cooking spray, then place the paper in over it and spray all sides of the pan again. This will make it super easy to lift your bread right out of the pan.
TIP: Top your quick breads!
Here’s a little tip for basically ALL quick breads- sprinkle a little brown sugar over the top before baking. I don’t even measure, but about 2-3 tablespoons. It kind of melts in, but leaves a slightly light, crisp topping that enhances so many breads.
You can see the sugar topping in this photo- it bakes up beautifully! Let your bread cool until just warm before you pull it out of your pan. Run a knife around the edges that weren’t covered in parchment and then use the paper to just lift it right out.
I love this banana bread with a little spread of soft butter on top. It’s soft and sweet and perfectly comforting!
Want more quick breads and muffins? Click here for our full index!
