Forget all the banana bread recipes you have tried before, the only one you need is this one. Truly the best, with an extraordinary moist texture. Discover its secret ingredient now!

Best Buttermilk Banana Bread

Why should you make this buttermilk banana bread?

Basic recipes are often the very best ones, the ones we should keep for life. This buttermilk banana bread is definitely one of them. I am totally obsessed with banana breads and believe me, I have tried many, many different recipes, until I finally perfected the perfect banana bread recipe, moist, generous, and subtly flavored. With over 400 positive reviews (in English and in French), this banana bread recipe has proven success!

Best Buttermilk Banana Bread

Buttermilk Banana Bread Video Tutorial


A super moist banana bread

Among all the banana breads I have tried before, my favorite of all times remains the same: a very basic one, nature, with a pinch of cinnamon and some walnuts (or pecans). This is a matter of personal taste and you might prefer the one with chocolate chips for instance.

What really matters in a banana bread recipe is not linked to the add-ons but to its texture. You don’t want it dry; you want it extremely moist and tender in the inside, and slightly crispy on the edges.

Best Buttermilk Banana Bread

How to make moist banana bread?

So can you guess what is the secret ingredient in this banana bread recipe? Buttermilk it is, and it brings such an incredibly moist texture, you’ll love it. This fermented dairy product, thicker than milk, is produced from cow’s milk and has a characteristically sour taste caused by lactic acid bacteria.

I always make my own buttermilk as it is very easy and ready in two minutes with two ingredients only: milk (whole milk preferred but semi-skimmed works too) and fresh lemon juice. Nothing more. These two ingredients together give some kind of a magical texture to many cake or bread recipes. In particular in a banana bread, buttermilk gives an extraordinary moist texture and keeps it fresh for several days without getting dry.

Best Buttermilk Banana Bread

Possible variations

Once you master the original recipe, you can then try different versions of this banana bread. The one with walnuts is a classic, the one with pecans is amazing. For all chocolate lovers, add some chocolate chips in the batter, stirring well.

And for a drink to pair it with, you can’t go wrong with my Whipped Coffee! Whatever you decide, make sure you can grab a slice before it’s too late, this banana bread disappears in less time than you need to say it!

More delicious banana breads…

What to do with bananas?

Best Buttermilk Banana Bread

Best Buttermilk Banana Bread

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Buttermilk Banana Bread

  • 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 48 reviews
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Best Buttermilk Banana Bread
  • Author: Delphine Fortin
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
  • Category: Cakes and Pies
  • Cuisine: American recipes

Forget all the banana bread recipes you have tried before, the only one you need is this one. Truly the best, with an extraordinary moist texture. Discover its secret ingredient now!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cup (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup (40g) chopped walnuts (optional)*
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 very ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk** (or substitute 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice + 1/2 cup milk)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease bottom and edges of one loaf pan with butter.
  2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Add walnuts if using (I recommend it) and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix in the egg. Puree the bananas with a fork and add them to the mixture. Pour in the buttermilk.**
  4. Add dry ingredients, alternating until incorporated. Do not over mix.
  5. Bake for about 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before serving.

Notes

* Possibility to replace walnuts with pecans. Or if you are allergic to nuts, simply skip them.

** Make your own buttermilk is very easy. Just measure one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and cover with milk until you reach 1/2 cup. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Did you make this recipe?

Lastly, if you make this Buttermilk Banana Bread, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!

Try also my fluffy banana pancakes!

If you loved this buttermilk banana bread, chances are high that you will also fall in love with these incredibly fluffy banana pancakes. Make sure you try them and serve them with a generous drizzle of maple syrup!

This easy fluffy banana pancake recipe yields generous, light, and airy pancakes, loaded with banana bread flavor.