Banana bread is a classic recipe that’s been around for ages but adding buttermilk to the batter will produce a softer, airier, and richer loaf. This quick and easy recipe is easy to whip up and is not only impressive - it is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it.
Mix together in a medium sized bowl the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and walnuts. Set the bowl aside.
1 ½ cups flour, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup chopped walnuts
In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Then mix in the egg. Add in the buttermilk, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup salted butter, ½ cup buttermilk, ½ teaspoon vanilla, 3 large mashed bananas, 1 large egg
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake at 350°F for 60 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing banana bread from the pan.
To Make the Icing:
Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and spreadable.
⅛ cup butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¾ cup powdered sugar, 2 ounces cream cheese
Place the icing in a cake decorating bag with an icing tip and drizzle over the completely cooled banana bread. Or, simply spread some on with a knife.
Notes
📋 Expert TipsThe following tips will help you to make the perfect banana bread recipe:
Use ripe bananas. You should use ripe bananas that are getting brown. If they are green at all, you definitely want to wait because they won't be sweet enough.
Do not overmix. Do not over mix your ingredients, but make sure that they are all mixed together well - if you overmix the batter, it won't rise.
Grease your pan. Use a loaf pan that is greased with butter or cooking spray and lined with parchment paper.