Simple Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread with a hint of lemon and nuts, perfect for breakfast or snacks, appealing to banana lovers and those seeking a quick baked treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together; then add the egg and blend well.
- Mix in mashed bananas and lemon juice.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- Alternately add the dry mixture and sour cream to the banana mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in nuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 50 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you're out of sour cream, plain yogurt works well as a substitute. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the sweetness. To ensure even baking, make sure your bananas are very ripe, as this will also add more moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve banana bread warm or at room temperature, possibly with a spread of butter or cream cheese for extra richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside the Old Fashion Egg Custard Pie for a sweet brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven set to 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Banana Bread contains roughly 421 calories, with 10g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1054mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will ensure your bread remains moist. Make sure to use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
To check if your banana bread is done, insert a toothpick or tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it's ready. If the tester comes out wet, give it an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.
Can I add chocolate chips to this banana bread?
Yes, chocolate chips are a delightful addition! You can fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips right before pouring the batter into the loaf pan. This adds a nice sweetness and pairs well with the banana flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).