Tricks to a Great Loaf of Banana Bread

Banana bread is one of those treats that can be just good or it can be absolutely great. I don't know about you but I have tried slices of banana bread that were ok but just seemed to be lacking something. If you want a really great loaf of banana bread, there are two ingredients I have found that not all recipes call for.

The first ingredient is sour cream. Sour cream can be found in some banana bread recipes but not all, and many times people scrunch their noses up at the thought. However, by adding sour cream, moisture is added making your loaf of bread almost like cake. When you take a bite of banana bread that was made with sour cream, your mouth sinks in to pure perfection.

The second ingredient needed for a great loaf of banana bread is cinnamon and sugar. No not baked inside of the bread, on the outside of the bread. If you have ever had a plain piece of toast and then buttered it and sprinkled it with a little cinnamon and sugar, you will know that it takes your plain piece of toast to a whole new level. That is exactly what cinnamon and sugar does to your banana bread, it takes a good loaf of bread and makes it amazing.

Here is my favorite recipe with the couple needed tweaks mentioned above.

Bread Ingredients:

• 1/2 stick butter
•  1 1/3 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2-3 ripe mashed bananas

Cinnamon Sugar Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
• 2 tbsp. White Sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together cinnamon and sugar to create the perfect cinnamon and sugar combination. Grease one to two loaf pans (depending on how large of a loaf of bread you want). Shake cinnamon sugar mixture into the greased pan(s), making sure all sides are coated. Dump excess cinnamon sugar out of pan(s).

In medium sized mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamed. Next add eggs one at a time continually beating. Add sour cream and vanilla and beat thoroughly. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, and salt in until completely combined. Add bananas and mix until well blended. Pour into prepared pans and bake for 1 hour or thoroughly cooked.

Cool upside down on plate and enjoy.