Golden Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)

• ½ cup melted unsalted butter (or neutral oil for extra moisture)

• ¾ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (adds extra moisture and tenderness)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix (a few streaks of flour are okay).

5. Fold in the sour cream or yogurt, and then add nuts or chocolate if using. The batter should be thick and creamy.

6. Pour into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top.

7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.

8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

💡 Tips for extra moisture & flavor:

• Use really overripe bananas (lots of brown spots).

• Replace half the butter with oil if you want it extra tender.

• Add 2 tablespoons of milk or cream if your bananas are small.

• For a bakery-style touch, sprinkle raw sugar or cinnamon sugar on top before baking.