The Best Banana Bread

The batter for this easy-to-make banana bread is enriched with sour cream, which gives it a subtle tang and super moist texture. In order to avoid this quick bread becoming tough and chewy, don't overmix the batter.

• 

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

  Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

  Rest Time: 10 minutes

  Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

  Yields: One 9"x5"x"3" loaf of bread.

  Serves: About 8 people.

• Ingredients:

  -1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan

  -1 cup sugar

  -2 large eggs

  -1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

  -1 teaspoon baking soda

  -1 teaspoon kosher salt

  -1 cup mashed very ripe bananas

  -1/2 cup sour cream

  -1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  -(optional) 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

  Dietary Information: Includes dairy and nuts.

• Instructions:

  Step 1

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat to incorporate.

  Step 2

  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts and pour into prepared pan.

  Step 3

  Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.