Ina Garten Banana Bread Recipe
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.
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 9x5 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.