Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this banana bread so delicious.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup mashed bananas – The star of the show, providing moisture and natural sweetness.
- 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the bread without overpowering the banana flavor.
- ⅓ cup oil – Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds a tangy flavor and ensures a soft crumb.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the bread, giving it structure.
- ¼ cup cornstarch – Lightens the texture, making the bread soft and tender.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the bread rise, creating a light and airy loaf.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – Creates a crunchy texture on top.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Complements the banana and adds extra warmth.
- ¼ cup butter – Brings everything together to create a delicious, buttery topping.
Instructions
1. Preparing the Crumb Topping
Start by making the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub it in until the mixture becomes crumbly. Place the topping in the refrigerator to keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it. This step ensures the topping stays crisp and forms a delightful crust on top of your banana bread.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they are evenly combined to avoid pockets of dry ingredients in your batter.
3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large measuring jug, mix the eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, oil, and sour cream until they’re thoroughly blended. The sour cream will add a slight tanginess, enhancing the banana flavor and giving the bread a rich, moist texture.
4. Combining Everything Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough bread, which we want to avoid.
5. Preparing to Bake
Transfer the batter into the prepared 9×5 inch loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping generously over the batter.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) and bake the banana bread for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve your banana bread warm or at room temperature. For a delightful presentation, slice the bread into thick pieces and arrange them on a decorative plate. Garnish with fresh banana slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert