Famous Flour Bakery Banana Bread

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160 °C) (165°C (325 °F)). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.

2. 2

   In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the sugar and eggs together on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

   Start 5-minute timer
3. 3

   Slowly drizzle in the canola oil while continuing to mix on low speed. This emulsifies the oil into the egg mixture for a better crumb.

4. 4

   Add the mashed bananas, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just combined.

5. 5

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

6. 6

   Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.

7. 7

   If using walnuts, gently fold them into the batter.

8. 8

   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

9. 9

   Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   Start 75-minute timer
10. 10

    Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Start 10-minute timer