This moist, tender Ina Garten Banana Bread is made with very ripe bananas, sour cream, and walnuts, ready in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The top crust bakes into a deep golden brown while the inside stays incredibly soft. I always keep a stash of overripe bananas in the freezer just to make this recipe.
Try More Desserts Recipes:
- Joanna Gaines Crepe Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares Recipe
💛 Why You Will Love This Banana Bread Recipe:
- Easy and beginner-friendly: This banana bread recipe uses simple steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect even if you have little baking experience.
- Soft and moist texture: Ripe bananas keep the bread naturally moist, giving every slice a soft, tender bite that stays fresh for days.
- Rich banana flavor: Using very ripe bananas brings deep sweetness and strong flavor, so you don’t need extra sugar or flavoring.
- Great for using overripe bananas: Instead of wasting bananas, this recipe turns them into a delicious homemade treat.
- Flexible and customizable: You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to change the flavor and make it your own.
- Perfect for any time of day: Enjoy it for breakfast, snack, or dessert. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or milk.
- Freezer-friendly: You can slice and freeze banana bread, then reheat anytime for a quick homemade treat.
- Minimal equipment needed: No mixer required—just a bowl and a spoon, which makes cleanup easy.
- Family-friendly recipe: Kids and adults both love the sweet taste and soft texture.
- Always reliable: This recipe works every time, giving consistent results with a golden crust and soft center.
🍌 Ina Garten Banana Bread Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
🥮 How To Make Ina Garten Banana Bread
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then stir in the walnuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
💡 Recipe Tips
- Use overripe bananas: The skins should be almost entirely black for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix: Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to prevent a tough, dense loaf.
- Tent with foil: If the bread is browning too quickly at the 45-minute mark, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
🍯 What To Serve With Banana Bread?
A warm slice of Banana Bread pairs beautifully with softened butter or plain cream cheese. Serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or Earl Grey tea for a comforting morning treat.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Banana Bread?
Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individually wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Banana Bread?
Oven method: Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Wrap banana bread in foil and heat for 8–10 minutes. This warms it evenly and keeps it soft and moist inside.
Microwave method: Place a slice on a plate and heat for 15–25 seconds. Add a small piece of butter if you want extra moisture. This is quick but best for single servings.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt is an excellent 1:1 substitute for sour cream. It provides the same acidity and moisture.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the bread is underbaked or if the oven door is opened too early. Always check with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Can I make this into muffins?
Yes, divide the batter into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
More Desserts Recipes:
- Joanna Gaines Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Cola Cake Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Cupcake Recipe
📊 Banana Bread Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Protein: 4g
Ina Garten Banana Bread
Course: Breakfast, DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium10
servings15
minutes1
hour40
minutes1
hour55
minutesThis moist, tender Ina Garten Banana Bread with ripe bananas, sour cream, and chopped walnuts is ready in 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is a reliable, classic bake for a simple weekend breakfast.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
1/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
- 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- 2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- 3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- 4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- 5. Fold Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then stir in the walnuts.
- 6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
