This moist buttermilk banana bread is a delicious treat that combines overripe bananas with creamy buttermilk. It’s soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or a snack!
There’s something special about the smell of banana bread baking in the oven; it feels like a warm hug! I love to enjoy a slice with butter while my coffee is still hot. ☕️
Making this banana bread is so easy. Just mash the bananas, mix everything together, pour it in a loaf pan and bake! It’s a great way to use up those browning bananas sitting on your counter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your banana bread. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour. This gives a nice nutty flavor and adds fiber.
Bananas: Overripe bananas make the best banana bread because they’re sweeter. If you don’t have enough, you can use some applesauce as a substitute; about 1/3 cup per banana works well.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, but you could use coconut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just use the same amount.
How Can I Ensure My Banana Bread is Moist?
For moist banana bread, make sure not to overmix the batter. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you no longer see flour. This prevents dense bread.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Adding buttermilk enhances the texture, so don’t skip it.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry.
Moist Buttermilk Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This banana bread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 60-70 minutes to bake. Additionally, you’ll want to allow about 10 minutes for cooling in the pan and some time on a wire rack. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough for your bread to bake evenly. While it heats up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents (baking soda) throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to create a smooth batter.
5. Add Bananas, Buttermilk, and Vanilla:
Stir in the mashed overripe bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You want a nice, flavorful mixture that’s a bit lumpy from the bananas!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we don’t want a dense bread!
7. Optional Nuts:
If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them in at this point. They add a lovely crunch and flavor to the banana bread.
8. Pour into Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. This will help it bake evenly.
9. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If it’s still wet, pop it back in for a few more minutes.
10. Cool:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess and lets it cool evenly.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
Once your banana bread is completely cool, slice it up and enjoy! It can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Happy baking! 🌟
FAQs about Moist Buttermilk Banana Bread
Can I Substitute Regular Milk for Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix ½ cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it will mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
How Ripe Should the Bananas Be?
For the best flavor and moisture, use overripe bananas that are heavily speckled or even black. They should be soft and squishy; this ensures maximum sweetness in your bread!
How Can I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bread?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins might affect the baking time, so keep an eye on the bread as it bakes!
