This moist buttermilk banana bread is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Packed with ripe bananas, it has a soft texture that melts in your mouth!
Serving it warm with a little butter is my favorite way to enjoy it. You can’t go wrong with this banana bread—it’s a hug in every slice! 😄
I love how easy it is to make. Just mix the ingredients, bake, and enjoy the wonderful smell filling your kitchen. Who can resist that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture. The browner, the better! If you only have slightly ripe bananas, you can microwave them for 30 seconds to speed up the ripening process.
Buttermilk: This gives the bread its moist texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, you can skip them or use chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Moist Banana Bread?
The key to moist banana bread lies in properly mixing the ingredients and not overmixing. Here’s how:
- Mix wet ingredients first: Combine your mashed bananas, butter, and sugar until smooth.
- Be gentle: When adding in your dry ingredients and buttermilk, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Bake just right: Check for doneness after 60 minutes. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it. Using the toothpick method ensures it’s perfectly cooked!
Let it cool before slicing to help it retain moisture. Enjoy baking!
Moist Buttermilk Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 to 1¼ cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 60 to 70 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow for 10 minutes of cooling in the pan, and then let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Total time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can use parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix them well using a fork or whisk until everything is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the banana mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Now, gently add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix as this can make the bread dense.
6. Fold in Nuts (Optional):
If you’re adding nuts, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this point. They add a delicious crunch to the bread!
7. Pour and Spread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly across the pan with a spatula.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into delightful pieces.
Enjoy your moist buttermilk banana bread with a cup of tea or coffee! It’s a treat that everyone will love.
FAQ About Moist Buttermilk Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw the frozen bananas in the fridge overnight or microwave them for about 30 seconds until soft. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing for the best texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Can I Replace Buttermilk with Something Else?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
How Do I Know When the Bread is Done Baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
