Prepping the Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that your banana bread will come out of the pans smoothly after baking.

Mashing the Bananas: Creating the Base Flavor

In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined. This mixture will be the base of your banana bread, giving it a rich, sweet flavor profile.

Creaming Butter and Sugar: Achieving the Perfect Texture

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for creating a tender crumb in your bread.

Adding Eggs and Combining Dry Ingredients

Next, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, sift together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

Incorporating Sour Cream and Bananas for Moisture

Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will add moisture and a slight tanginess to the bread. Add the mashed banana mixture and stir until everything is just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.