Banana Bread Recipe

This Everybody’s Banana Bread recipe is the ultimate homemade quick bread, featuring ripe bananas, warm spices, toasted walnuts, and rich semisweet chocolate. Featured on Flour Power, this moist banana bread recipe transforms everyday pantry ingredients into a comforting baked treat that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or dessert.

The Inspiration

Few baked goods are as universally loved as banana bread. Its comforting aroma, moist texture, and incredible versatility have made it a staple in home kitchens for generations. Originally popularized as a practical way to use overripe bananas, banana bread has evolved into one of the most beloved quick breads around the world.

On Flour Power, Jessica McGovern embraces recipes that combine simplicity with exceptional flavor, and this banana bread embodies that philosophy perfectly. Rather than creating an overly complicated loaf, this recipe focuses on balancing classic banana flavor with carefully selected ingredients that elevate the final result.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups (540 ml) mashed ripe banana (about 4-5 large bananas)
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) full-fat sour cream
• ¾ cup (180 ml) sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) coconut oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) walnut oil
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla
• 2 cups (480 ml) flour
• ¾ cup (180 ml) whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) cloves
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• ¾ cup (180 ml) walnut pieces, toasted
• ½ cup (120 ml) semisweet chocolate, chopped

Method

• Let’s get baking!
• Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Grease a 10-inch x 6-inch (25 cm x 15 cm) loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
• Add mashed banana and sour cream to a bowl and stir to combine. Add sugar, coconut oil, walnut oil, eggs, and vanilla and blend evenly.
• In a separate bowl, add flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, cloves, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk to combine evenly. Add dry mixture to wet in 3 parts, folding until just combined.
• Pour ½ the batter into one half of the loaf pan. Fold toasted walnuts and semisweet chocolate in with the remaining ingredients. Pour this remaining batter into the other half of the loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

For brunch gatherings, arrange sliced banana bread on a serving platter with fresh fruit, yogurt, and assorted pastries. Its rich flavor complements a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes while offering guests a satisfying homemade baked treat.

As an afternoon snack, enjoy a slice with hot coffee or tea. The combination of toasted walnuts, semisweet chocolate, and warm spices creates a comforting treat that feels indulgent without being overly sweet. It also makes an excellent addition to lunchboxes, picnics, and road trips thanks to its sturdy texture and portability.

For dessert, lightly warm a slice and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The melted chocolate pieces and moist banana crumb create a simple yet satisfying finish to any meal. During the holidays, banana bread can also be wrapped and gifted to friends, neighbors, and family members as a thoughtful homemade present.

Final Thoughts

This Everybody’s Banana Bread recipe is a celebration of comfort baking at its finest. By combining ripe bananas, warm spices, rich oils, toasted walnuts, and semisweet chocolate, it transforms a simple quick bread into something truly memorable.

Featured on Flour Power with Jessica McGovern, this recipe demonstrates how everyday ingredients can create extraordinary flavor when balanced thoughtfully. The addition of sour cream ensures exceptional moisture, while the walnut and chocolate mixture adds texture and richness that elevate every bite.