Spiced Banana Bread Recipe

Slices of banana bread neatly arranged on a wire rack.

5 from 1 vote

This loaf bakes up with deep banana flavor and light spice throughout. Spiced Banana Bread is made with everyday ingredients and comes together in a few simple steps.

Prep Time8

Cook Time50

Total Time58

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: slices

Calories: 192kcal

Author: Andrea

Ingredients

8 tablespoons unsalted butter browned
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sour cream
4 large bananas overly ripe, mashed
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract OR vanilla bean paste
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch ground nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray or lightly butter and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan; set aside.
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter begins to bubble and crackle, it will start to brown. As the butter cooks, swirl to move it around. When the butter smells nutty, remove the pan from the heat and transfer it to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk in the brown sugar, sour cream, mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, using a spatula to scrape up any dry spots from the bottom of the bowl. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The loaf will brown on top, and the crack should still be slightly moist. I usually bake mine for about 48–50 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely (or enjoy while warm).

Notes

-If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, scrape half a vanilla bean into the wet ingredients along with the extract.

-Fold in toasted nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of Nutella or peanut butter.

STORE the fully cooled loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and FREEZE individual pieces—wrap them in parchment or wax paper and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

To REHEAT, thaw a slice at room temperature or microwave it for 20–30 seconds. You can also warm it in a 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) oven until heated through. The flavor holds up well, and the texture stays soft.

Nutrition