Buttermilk Banana Bread

Enjoy the irresistible delight of this Buttermilk Banana Bread recipe. It boasts an irresistibly moist crumb, gently infused with the warmth of cinnamon. This is "The best banana bread recipe" that leaves everyone craving more.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients You Need
• How to Make Buttermilk banana bread
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for this recipe
• Storage and freezing
• Variations & Substitutions
• Recipe Questions
• More Banana Bread Recipes
• Buttermilk Banana bread

Discover the ultimate Buttermilk Banana Bread recipe with the delightful fusion of ripe bananas, tangy buttermilk, and warm cinnamon flavors perfect for breakfast or anytime you need a comforting treat.

When I see my bananas ripening a bit too quickly, I can already imagine that tender, moist crumb and the blend of flavors that makes banana bread so unique.

Banana and buttermilk create a magical synergy in banana bread recipes. The bananas contribute their natural sweetness and a luscious, creamy texture, while the buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess and acidity. Together, they result in a moist, flavorful banana bread that's simply irresistible.

Craving for more banana recipes? Give these a try: Banana oatmeal muffins, double chocolate banana muffins, banana bread cookies, banana bread muffins.

Ingredients You Need

You need these ingredients to make this moist banana bread:

• Butter: I prefer butter to oil in banana bread recipes, as unsalted butter adds a delicious crumb and an incredible crust.
• Sugars: A mixture of white sugar and flavored sugar such as brown sugar or cane sugar.
• Eggs: At room temperature.
• Milk: Use buttermilk if possible, see recipe notes to replace with milk, yogurt or sour cream.
• Banana: Overripe bananas if possible, the riper they are, the sweeter they taste. Do not use completely very ripe bananas completely black. If your bananas are not completely ripe, you can still make the recipe.
• Flour: All-purpose wheat flour, which can be replaced by wholemeal or gluten-free flour. 
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon of baking soda or 1 packet of baking powder.
• Salt and vanilla: Indispensable for flavor, pure vanilla extract and table salt to bring out all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon to flavor the banana bread, which you can replace with a little pumpkin pie spice.

How to Make Buttermilk banana bread

Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

Step 1: Place in a medium bowl or a large plate the bananas cut in pieces and crush them into a puree with a fork or a potato press until you get a mixture with some chunks left.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, place softened butter cut into pieces with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, mix on medium speed for at least 2 minutes until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix again with an electric mixer to incorporate them.

Step 4: Add buttermilk and mashed bananas and mix until well blended.

Step 5: Add all purpose flour, baking soda salt and ground cinnamon (optional) into the wet ingredients and mix this time with a soft spatula to incorporate them and just enough to have a homogeneous cake mixture.

Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C and line a 10 inch/ 25 cm long loaf pan with parchment paper or grease with butter or a cooking spray.

Step 7: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and and bake for 45 - 55 minutes until golden brown on top.

Let cool: Remove from the oven and let the bakec banana bread cool in the loaf pan before carefully removing it from the pan and letting it cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy! Cut your banana cake into 10 pieces and enjoy cold or a little warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic with Butter: Spread a generous layer of butter on a warm slice for a simple and delicious treat.
• Cream Cheese Spread: Add a rich, creamy topping with a smear of plain or flavored cream cheese.
• With Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas for a refreshing and healthy touch.
• Yogurt and Honey: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a tangy-sweet combination.
• Nut Butter: Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or another favorite nut butter for added protein and richness.
• Toasted with Ice Cream: Toast slices and serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the bread before baking or after for a sweet, spiced crust.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: Add a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Whipped Cream and Berries: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a light and airy finish.

Storage and freezing

At room temperature: You can store banana bread at room temperature for about 4-5 days in a storage box or covered with plastic wrap. Since it is very moist it should be kept in a cool place, you can also keep it up to 1 week in your refrigerator.

In the freezer: Cut your cake into slices and put them in a storage box. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: Let your buttermilk banana bread come back to room temperature or use the defrost function of your microwave to go faster.

Recipe Questions

What does buttermilk do to banana bread?

The acidity of the buttermilk helps to balance all the ingredients, tenderizing the gluten which brings a much softer texture and also a better taste.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk or whole milk for buttermilk. To mimic the tanginess of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The best bananas for banana bread are overripe with brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

How do you keep banana bread moist?

Wrapping the banana bread in plastic wrap will help keep the moist texture longer and prevent it from drying out when exposed to air.

How can I tell when my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. It should also feel firm to the touch.

More Banana Bread Recipes

I hope you love this banana bread with buttermilk recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

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