Banana bread is a beloved classic that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist, rich texture, creating a perfect treat for any time of day. This Rich Banana Bread recipe elevates the traditional loaf with the addition of sour cream, which adds a delightful tang and extra moisture, making every bite tender and flavorful. Ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this banana bread is both comforting and indulgent. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.
Banana bread has a storied history and has become a staple in many households, often passed down through generations. The magic of banana bread lies in its versatility—you can enjoy it plain, with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a spread of butter. This recipe ensures a delicious outcome every time, with a balance of sweetness and the rich depth of bananas.
Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe for Rich Banana Bread, along with suggestions for variations and substitutions to help you customize it to your taste or dietary needs.
Rich Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed banana (3-4 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
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or two bread pans.
Cream the Shortening and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined. Add the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until the batter is smooth.
Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Variations
Nutty Banana Bread:
Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:
Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, chocolatey twist.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread:
Swirl in a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon for a spiced variation.
Tropical Banana Bread:
Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter for a tropical flavor.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Dairy-Free Version:
Replace the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and use almond milk or another plant-based milk.
Lower-Sugar Option:
Reduce the sugar to 1 cup or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Vegan Banana Bread:
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based shortening.
Conclusion
Rich Banana Bread is a versatile and comforting treat that can be easily customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. The addition of sour cream in this recipe ensures a moist and tender loaf, while the mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and flavor. Whether you prefer it plain, with nuts, or with a chocolate twist, this banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful recipe with family and friends, and explore the variations and substitutions to make it your own.
