If you love sweet, soft, and flavorful bread, you will enjoy this Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe. It is easy to make at home and smells amazing while baking.
This banana bread is moist, tender and full of banana flavor. You can make it with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
It is perfect for breakfast, snacks or dessert. You will learn how to make Ina Garten Banana Bread step by step.
This recipe is friendly for beginners and produces delicious results every time. You will enjoy the rich flavor and soft texture.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Banana Bread
I tried this Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe on a rainy afternoon. My kitchen smelled sweet and warm while it baked.
The bread turned out soft, mois and perfectly golden. The bananas added natural sweetness, and the crust was slightly crispy.
My family loved it so much that it disappeared within a day. I liked how easy it was to make with simple ingredients.
Following the step-by-step instructions made it even more fun. Now, this banana bread is one of my go-to recipes for busy mornings and cozy afternoons.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Banana Bread
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Course: Dessert or Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Banana Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well and set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy with a whisk or fork. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy. - Mash the Bananas
In a separate bowl, mash ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Small lumps are okay. - Combine Bananas and Sour Cream
Add mashed bananas and sour cream to the butter mixture. Stir until fully combined. - Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, do not overmix. - Add Nuts (Optional)
Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if using. They add a nice crunch to the bread. - Pour into Pan
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. - Bake the Bread
Place in the oven and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. - Cool the Bread
Remove from oven and let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack. - Slice and Serve
Once cooled, slice the bread with a sharp knife. Serve plain or with butter.
Recipe Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the bread soft and tender.
- Add chocolate chips or berries for a fun variation.
- Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal.
- Store properly to keep it moist for several days.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ina Garten Banana Bread with:
- Butter or cream cheese
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
Best Sides To Serve With
- Yogurt with granola
- Sliced fruit or fruit salad
- Smoothies or milkshakes
- Scrambled eggs for a breakfast combo
- Hot chocolate for dessert time
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week to keep it fresh longer.
- Freeze wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for a warm treat.
- Avoid microwaving too long; it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs about Ina Garten Banana Bread
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour works. Use the same amount. Texture may be slightly denser.
Q2: Can I make banana bread without nuts?
Yes, nuts are optional. The bread will still be soft, moist, and flavorful.
Q3: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thaw bananas first. Mash them well before adding to the batter.
Q4: How can I tell when banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to this banana bread?
Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, chocolaty twist.
Conclusion
Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe is soft, moist and full of banana flavor. It is easy to make with simple ingredients.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks or dessert. You can make it with or without nuts and add chocolate chips if desired. Follow these steps to enjoy soft, flavorful bread every time.
Serve warm with butter, honey or your favorite toppings. This recipe is perfect for family mornings or cozy afternoons.
Now you know how to make Ina Garten Banana Bread and the best ingredients for it. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat!
Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy with a whisk or fork.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy.
Mash the Bananas
- In a separate bowl, mash ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Small lumps are okay.
Combine Bananas and Sour Cream
- Add mashed bananas and sour cream to the butter mixture. Stir until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold in the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, do not overmix.
Add Nuts (Optional)
- Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if using. They add a nice crunch to the bread.
Pour into Pan
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Bake the Bread
- Place in the oven and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the Bread
- Remove from oven and let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack.
Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, slice the bread with a sharp knife. Serve plain or with butter.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the bread soft and tender.
- Add chocolate chips or berries for a fun variation.
- Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal.
- Store properly to keep it moist for several days.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
