Calling all banana bread bakers! Are you looking for a recipe that delivers moist, flavorful banana bread every time?

As a Southern cook for more than 40 years, I’ve perfected this recipe after making it so many times. It’s a twist on a classic that’s been a hit with my family for generations, and now it can be yours! The secret to my banana bread’s consistently great texture? A touch of sour cream, which adds richness and helps the bread stay moist throughout.

Skip the bakery and bake this family-favorite banana bread at home—it’s perfect for any occasion!

A loaf of sliced banana bread.

This is really great banana bread!! I will keep this recipe!! Thank you for sharing!!!!

DLF

Banana bread makes a great housewarming or Christmas gift, and it’s perfect for the Southern tradition of taking something to a family when a baby’s been born or a loved one has passed. 

This recipe is easy to follow, making it a great choice for new bakers or anyone craving a quick and delicious treat. Plus, it’s versatile! Feel free to add chopped nuts for extra texture or throw in some chocolate chips for a richer flavor. No matter your preference, this recipe delivers a moist and flavorful banana bread that’s sure to become a new favorite.

This recipe makes two loaves, so you can cut it in half if you want to make just one. Or make two and give some away.

Let’s do it—preheat your oven, grab your ripe bananas, and get ready to bake! Leave a comment below and let me know how your banana bread turns out!

What you’ll need for old-fashioned banana bread

  • Loaf pans or dishesI use these regular old Pyrex dishes
  • All-purpose flour
  • Sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • 6 bananas
  • Sour cream
  • Unsalted butter
  • Vanillathis is my favorite vanilla!
  • Eggs

Old-fashioned banana bread recipe substitutions and variations

While we think this banana bread is perfect as it is, there are certainly some variations you can make. Please note: These are untested variations!

  • Almond flour
  • Yogurt instead of sour cream
  • Egg substitute
  • Oil instead of butter
Easy banana bread sliced.

You may also like…
Chocolate Chip Banana BreadThis easy banana bread recipe is full of dark, melty chocolate chips! Or, if you’re looking for gluten-free, check out this delicious gluten-free cranberry orange bread.

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How to make banana bread with brown sugar

Cook’s Tip: Start with very ripe bananas with brown speckles but not completely brown.

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour two 9×5 loaf dishes.

Step 2. Whisk flour, sugars, soda, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. In a separate large bowl, mash bananas. Add sour cream, butter, vanilla, and eggs to the bananas. Whisk until well blended.

Step 3. Gently fold the bananas into the flour just until all the flour has been incorporated. Pour the mixture into prepared dishes and bake for about one hour.

Step 4. Check the banana bread after an hour with a toothpick. If it is still gooey, add 5 minutes, checking each time to see if the bread is done. When ready, the loaves will be dark, golden brown, and full of goodness.

Tips for making this Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar

As with all baking, you’ll get the best results if you measure your ingredients carefully. Don’t pack in the flour!

Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until well-blended.

I like to pop a slice of this old-fashioned banana bread in the microwave and spread a little peanut butter on it. Yum! It’s filling and delicious.

Banana bread with sour cream and brown sugar storage

Storing

Banana bread does not need to be refrigerated. Just place it on a plate on the counter and cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Your old-fashioned banana bread will last for several days.

If it starts to dry out a little, then just pop a piece in the microwave or toaster.

How to freeze banana bread

Wrap your loaves in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a large freezer bag. The loaves will keep with the best flavor for up to 4 months.

Banana bread FAQs

How to make banana bread moist

Using sour cream in the recipe keeps banana bread moist for days.

How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?

Your bananas should be ripe with brown speckles but not completely brown. They should still be slightly firm but with a good bit of softness.

Slices of bread on a white platter.

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4.75 from 36 votes

Banana Bread Recipe with Sour Cream and Brown Sugar

Sour cream is the secret to making this banana bread moist and tender.
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients 

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 bananas, mashed (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 4 eggs

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour two 9×5 loaf dishes.
  • Whisk flour, sugars, soda, salt and baking powder in large bowl.
  • In a separate large bowl, mash bananas. Add sour cream, butter, vanilla, and eggs to the bananas. Whisk until well blended.
  • Gently fold the bananas into the flour just until all flour has been incorporated. Pour into prepared dishes and bake for about one hour.
  • Check after an hour with a toothpick and if still gooey then add 5 minutes, checking each time to see if the bread is done.
  • When ready, the loaves will be a dark, golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 248kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 57mg, Sodium: 205mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 16g
Course: Breads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 248
Keyword: banana bread
Love this recipe?Mention @southernfoodandfun or tag #southernfoodandfun!

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Lucy standing behind a counter with a cheese board and glass of wine.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is a very good recipe. I added chopped walnuts and next time think I will cut down on flour just a bit and watch baking time really closely at the end. Think I over baked it just a smidge. Thanks for the recipe!

  2. 5 stars
    I loooove banana bread. I also make it often. My recipe is almost the same to yours. However, I have never used sour cream. I will try it. I like salty taste in the sweet banana bread.
    Your recipes are easy to understand and look so nice. Thank you:)

  3. 5 stars
    I loooove banana bread. I also make it often. My recipe is almost the same to yours. However, I have never used sour cream. I will try it. I like salty taste in the sweet banana bread.
    Your recipes are easy to understand and look so nice. Thank you:)

  4. 5 stars
    I loooove banana bread. I also make it often. My recipe is almost the same to yours. However, I have never used sour cream. I will try it. I like salty taste in the sweet banana bread.
    Your recipes are easy to understand and look so nice. Thank you:)